Israel to impose economic sanctions on Palestinians

Israel will not transfer tax revenue collected to the Palestinian Authority as punishment for its bid to join some 15 international organizations and treaties.

An Israeli official told Ynet that the economic sanctions came in response to the Palestinians' UN move. According to him Israel will deduct the PA's financial debts from the taxes Israel collects in its name. Israel will also halt the development of gas fields across the shores of the Gaza Strip.

An Israeli diplomatic official criticized the move and said "the prime minister cannot control himself, he feels a relentless need to punish the Palestinians. At a time like this we should move forward and not get stuck up on the UN petition." (Attila Somfalvi)