Fayyad confiscates $7 million from Dahlan
Palestinian prime minister confiscates money from national security advisor following accusations that latter mismanaged funds
According to Palestinian sources, the confiscated funds were transferred to Dahlan in order to financially support Palestinian security forces before Hamas’ takeover of the Gaza Strip.
The funds were transferred by several international bodies, including the United States and Saudi Prince Bandar bin Sultan. As national security advisor, Dahlan was responsible for allocating the funds to where they were most needed by security forces.
According to the sources, Palestinian Authority officials were checking whether or not Dahlan managed to withdraw funds from his account prior to Fayyad’s confiscation.
PA sources refused to comment on the confiscation as a sign of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ distrust of Dahlan.
Fatah sources estimated that veteran leaders in the faction’s executive committee would demand Dahlan’s dismissal from all faction positions.
The sources accused Dahlan of mismanaging funds, illegally accepting funds, and failing in Fatah’s fight against Hamas. Dahlan’s aides dismissed the claims, saying the veteran leaders held personal grudges against him.
The Palestinian press reported that Dahlan was expected to make a public statement in the coming days regarding the allegations against him.
Sources in Dahlan’s office said that he was on his way to Germany to receive medical treatment; Dahlan was also in Germany receiving treatment during Hamas’ takeover of Gaza.
