Knesset passes 1st reading of bill freezing PA funds over terror payments

The Knesset passes in its first reading a bill that seeks to cut money transfers to the Palestinian Authority due to its ongoing payment of stipends to terrorists and their families.

Because the Palestinian Authority does not have any air or sea ports or direct crossings into other countries, all of its imports pass through ports in Israel, which charges duties and other tariffs on the products for the PA.

Under the bill, Israel would hold on to some of that money, in order to offset any sums paid to terrorists, thus disincentivizing those payments, which Israeli officials have said encourages more attacks.

Under the bill, the cabinet would decide whether to freeze the funds. It is similar to the recently passed Taylor Force Act in the US.

The bill received bipartisan support, with 55 votes in favor and 14 against.

Before it is signed into law it must go through committee deliberation and two more readings.