The Diplomatic-Security Security Cabinet approved Sunday an outline for transferring taxes collected on behalf of Palestinian Authority to Norway, as a neutral third party, instead of allowing the funds to reach the Gaza Strip.
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The only cabinet member who objected the move was National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, saying no guarantees were given that the funds would not be transferred in one way or another to Gaza, though the claim was disputed by faction colleague Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
Video: The Hamas attack on Zikim Beach on Oct. 7, 2023 / Credit: Usage under Israeli Intellectual Property Law, Section 27a
"No shekel will go to Gaza! And this time with American backing for the policy that I have been leading from day one and with my authorization in advance to stop all funds to the Palestinian Authority if one shekel goes to Gaza," Smotrich wrote on X, after voting in favor.
The Prime Minister's Office also released a statement, saying "the United States and Norway respect the decision of the State Security Cabinet that ordered a halt to the transfer of Gaza funds to the Palestinian Authority."
"The money or its consideration will not be transferred under any circumstances, except with the approval of the Minister of Finance of Israel, not even through a third party. The US is a guarantee for the implementation of the plan," the PMO explained.
The wording of the decision obtained by Israel Hayom says that Norway "will announce that it respects the decision of the Israeli cabinet according to which funds to Gaza will be frozen in order to prevent their transfer by the Palestinian Authority to Gaza in view of the control of the terrorist organization Hamas in the Strip."
The request reportedly came from Washington to resolve the issue, mostly tax refunds on commerce and labor, which Israel transfers to the Palestinian Authority (PA) and make up about 65% of its budget, with a fraction intended for the Gaza Strip.
This article was first published by i24NEWS.
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