Exclusive: In exchange for freed tax funds, PA won’t pursue Israel over settlements at ICC

[Little Tich]

Source: The Jerusalem Post

Israel pledges to release frozen funds accrued, but whether it releases upcoming revenues dependent on PA actions.

The Palestinian Authority will formally join the International Criminal Court on April 1, but – following Israel’s decision on Friday to release frozen tax revenues – is not expected at this time to take steps against Israel in the ICC regarding settlement construction.

In addition, The Jerusalem Post has learned that while the ICC prosecutor has – at the PA’s request – opened a preliminary examination on alleged Israeli war crimes during Operation Protective Edge over the summer, the PA is not expected at this time to take additional legal steps in the ICC regarding the Gaza operation.

As a result of Israel’s decision to free up the funds, the PA also does not intend now to stop its security cooperation with Israel, the Post also learned.

Read more:
http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/In-exchange-for-freed-tax-funds-PA-wont-pursue-Israel-over-settlements-at-ICC-395505

[BillZBubb]

1. Wow, the PA caved pretty easily. Gave up their rights for what Israel OWED them.

Capitulations like this are why most Palestinians aren't happy with Abu Mazen.

[bemildred]

2. It's not all bad.

Abbas also for the first time demonstrates having some leverage, however little. He got something. He got, supposedly: the money due, and future funds contingent on good behavior. But this likely is to placate the EU too.

Of course this is all talk, and may not actually happen, none of these people's word is worth a bucket of warm spit.

I am sure your view will be popular too, and as an old Abbas-watcher, I can say I'm not surprised he took the deal.

[Jefferson23]

3. Not expected at this time. We'll see. n/t

[geek tragedy]

4. Abbas continues to trot along obediently on an Israeli leash

For all the noise Abbas makes, his role is to enable the occupation, not to end it.

[Jefferson23]

5. He is the most worrisome guy in the room. n/t

[geek tragedy]

6. It's moreso the PA's financial dependency on the

Israeli government.

Rabin really took Arafat to the cleaners.

[Jefferson23]

7. No doubt the squeeze is intense, yet it goes beyond that with Abbas.

He knows the politics, who holds the purse strings..nothing new there.
He is the one who can lead the Palestinians if he mobilized better and I am
not certain he is up to it...for many reasons. To be fair, he is up against
powerful political forces and I don't mean to diminish that reality by
highlighting his weaknesses.

[geek tragedy]

8. It's a sign of Israeli extremism that they consider

Abbas too hostile to work with. Well, that's their cover story anyways.