Yisrael Beiteinu MK Yisrael Hasson
Photo: Elad Gershgoren
Draft bill: PA should pay for rocket damages
Right-wing MK proposes Israel use tax rebates collected on behalf of Palestinian Authority to pay for damages caused by rocket attacks
A new draft bill submitted Monday by a right-wing MK could pave the way for Israel to siphon off funds of tax rebates collected on behalf of the Palestinian Authority to pay for damages caused by rockets fired from Gaza.
Yisrael Beiteinu MK Israel Hasson said his bill was conceived by the conviction that the Palestinian Authority should be held accountable for failing to reign in terror groups in the Gaza Strip.
Israel has been withholding millions of dollars in taxes it collects on behalf of the Palestinians through Israeli-controlled border crossings with the Palestinian Authority since Hamas rose to power last year.
The funds, said Hasson, should be used to cover the evacuation of residents affected by daily rocket attacks, medical and national insurance expenses, and compensations for damaged property.
The bill goes as far as suggesting that Israel should also use the funds to fortify houses in communities located near the Gaza Strip.
"Time has come for the official bodies in the Palestinian Authority to take responsibility for their actions. The bill's aim is to prevent Israel from paying for their failure from its own pocket," Hasson said.
"It is unacceptable that as much as two billion shekels are transferred to the Palestinian Authority every year when in Sderot residents are seeking funds for fortifications from private donors," Hasson added.
