Smotrich pushes for sanctions on Palestinian Authority, files cabinet proposal
Sam Sokol is the Times of Israel's political correspondent. He was previously a reporter for the Jerusalem Post, Jewish Telegraphic Agency and Haaretz. He is the author of "Putin’s Hybrid War and the Jews"
Hard-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich submits to the security cabinet a proposal to sanction the Palestinian Authority and build four new settlements in the West Bank, calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to advance the move.
“The decision, which was brought in coordination with the prime minister, comes against the backdrop of the Palestinian Authority’s attempt to gain support in the world to act against the State of Israel in the legal arenas and to bring about the recognition of a Palestinian state,” Smotrich says in a statement.
Smotrich says that “for technical reasons,” the proposal was not voted upon last night, and states that he “expects the prime minister, as agreed, to advance the proposals this week.”
Arguing that “settlement was and will remain the best way to ensure the security of the country,” Smotrich says that “every country that cooperates with anti-Israeli activity and recognizes the Palestinian Authority as a country should know that it is helping the Zionist enterprise and the strengthening of Jewish settlement in the country.”
The Prime Minister’s Office declines to comment on Smotrich’s proposal.
Following Ireland, Spain and Norway’s announcements that they will recognize a Palestinian state, Smotrich last month demanded that Netanyahu impose “harsh punitive measures” against the Palestinian Authority, including cutting off the transfer of tax revenue Israel collects on its behalf.
Last Thursday, Smotrich announced that he had signed an order to transfer some NIS 130 million ($35 million) of tax funds Israel collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority to victims of terror.