Smotrich vows to block ‘even one shekel’ of PA taxes being sent to ‘Hamas Nazis’ in Gaza

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich vows he will not allow “even one shekel” in Palestinian tax funds collected by Israel for the Palestinian Authority to be transferred to “Hamas Nazis” in Gaza, or to the families of terrorists from the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Speaking at the weekly faction meeting of his far-right Religious-Zionism party, Smotrich says he has heard reports about possible solutions for the problem such as having third countries act to guarantee the funds reach their intended destination, initiatives being promoted as a part of “international pressure” on Israel over the issue.

“I want to say as clearly as possible: It will never happen! As long as I am minister of finance of the State of Israel not one shekel will be transferred to the Hamas Nazis in Gaza, and not one shekel will be transferred to the families of terrorists in Judea and Samaria, and Gaza,” avers Smotrich.

The finance minister appears to be referring specifically to money deducted by Israel from the taxes it collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority, to which it normally transfers the funds.

Israel’s security cabinet voted at the beginning of November to approve a partial transfer of the tax funds it has collected for the PA, minus some $100 million designated for various purposes in Gaza.

The PA refused, however, to accept this partial transfer, with Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh describing the proposal as “a political decision” designed to separate Gaza and the West Bank.

The finance minister says he told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu his position “in no uncertain terms” and that he would be “willing to pay the price” if the government approves these transfers.