TEL AVIV: Israeli government has taken a decision to withhold 600 million shekels (USD176 million) in tax revenues it has generated for the Palestinian Authority to offset the Palestinians' compensation for "attackers" against the Jewish state.
According to the state-run Kan TV, the Israeli security cabinet decided to gradually remove the same amount from tax receipts that the Palestinian Authority has paid to the families of attackers who were killed or injured.
Israel sees the stipends "promote" Palestinian attacks on Israelis and views them as "indirect support of terrorism." The reports also says that Palestinians claim the stipends are welfare handouts for low-income families.
For the benefit of the Palestinian Authority, Israel collects a sizable share of tax revenues, which are then transferred to the latter on regular basis.
A law to remove from tax revenues an amount equal to what the Palestinian Authority pays to prisoners' families was passed by the Israeli Parliament in July 2018.
Tensions between Israel and the Palestinian Authority are predicted to rise as a result of the action. In spite of international criticism, Israel has maintained control of or blockaded the West Bank and Gaza Strip since capturing them in a battle in 1967.
Palestine accuses Israel of ignoring Biden's pledges
Israel-linked spies seek to bomb sensitive defence centre: Iran
How did a Jewish journalist get into 'Mecca'? Where no non-Muslim can go