Israel Releasing Impounded Palestinian Tax Revenue

[DonViejo]

Source: New York Times


In a clear indication of a desire to ease tensions with the Palestinians and Washington, Israel announced on Friday that it would resume the transfer of tax revenues to the Palestinian Authority, three months after suspending the payments in response to the Palestinian move to join the International Criminal Court.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel approved the recommendation of his defense minister, Moshe Yaalon, and of the Israeli military and Shin Bet internal security agency to transfer the withheld funds “based on humanitarian concerns and in overall consideration of Israel’s interests at this time,” according to a statement from Mr. Netanyahu’s office.

Israel collects more than $100 million a month on behalf of the Palestinian Authority. Israel’s impoundment of the money had deepened the resilient tensions that are part of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.



Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/28/world/middleeast/israel-netanyahu-palestinians-tax-revenue.html?emc=edit_na_20150327

[geek tragedy]

1. Given that the alternative was the PA dissolving and Israel needing

to provide all governmental services as well as policing the streets in the west bank, not surprising.

[Trillo]

2. IOW, they did it because they had to, not because it was the right thing to do.

A cynical view, but it is the way our world seems to work. Don't do the best thing for the best motives, instead for less-than-the-worst motives.

I'd like to believe that it's a sign Israel is finally acknowledging they've gone far over the edge, and are trying to backup and correct their tactical mistakes. Perhaps this belief is just as realistic as invisible gods in the sky. Not sure. It certainly gives them a little positive PR for a change.

[father founding]

3. hear,hear

I hope Washington is listening to this, they could do it also.

[freshwest]

8. Who do you want Washington to release tax money to? I don't get your point. n/t

[The Stranger]

4. They bllnked.

I am never impressed with anyone -- least of all politicians.

And then along came this President . . .

[Comrade Grumpy]

5. That's mighty white of Israel.

[Larry Engels]

6. Yes, isn't that nice of them?

Maybe someday they will let the Palestinians have their own state....

Nah!

[freshwest]

7. The Obama Administration suggesting they might not veto censures at the UN did it. n/t