US warns Israel towards withholding Palestinian cash – Dagsavisen

Since February, Norway has been a central channel within the system by which Palestinian tax cash collected by Israel is transferred to the Palestinian Authority.

After Norway acknowledged Palestine as a state on Wednesday, nevertheless, the plan is in jeopardy. That causes the United States to react.

– I imagine it’s fallacious from a strategic standpoint, as a result of withholding cash destabilizes the West Bank and undermines the work of safety and prosperity of the Palestinian folks – work that advantages Israel. I imagine it’s fallacious to withhold funds that present primary wants and companies to harmless folks, stated US nationwide safety adviser Jake Sullivan.

– Biden is concerned

Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide isn’t stunned by Sullivan’s actions. He says that President Joe Biden is personally concerned in making this plan work.

– It may be very cheap that the USA is doing this, as a result of the USA and Norway have collectively developed an association to resolve an enormous and necessary downside. Israel has withheld official Palestinian forex, Eide informed NTB.

– The Palestinian Authority couldn’t pay salaries, which turned a really huge downside. The US and Norway labored collectively to discover a answer, to punish Norway for holding this cash is uncommon. This is Palestinian cash, continued the overseas minister.

– I believe the Israelis could have huge issues with the American folks, Biden may be very concerned on this, he says.

Revenge

The choice by Norway, Ireland and Spain to acknowledge Palestine as a state was met with anger in Israel.

Israel’s administration of Palestinian tax cash takes place in accordance with agreements concluded within the Nineties. After the October 7 assault, nevertheless, the switch of cash to the West Bank’s self-governing authorities was stopped by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The settlement from February, when Norway is the central channel, was once more transferred.

After Palestine was acknowledged on Wednesday by Norway as a state, Smotrich introduced that he would withdraw this association as a type of revenge, reported the AP information company.

– Norway was the primary to just accept the Palestinian state as we speak independently and can’t be a companion in something that features Judea and Samaria, wrote this right-wing politician in a message on X/Twitter.

Also learn: Norway is praised and criticized for its choice to acknowledge Palestine

– It comes to every nation

Security adviser Jake Sullivan additionally talked about the respect of the three European international locations. He didn’t straight criticize this choice, saying that President Biden helps a two-state answer – however solely after discussions between the events.

– Each nation has the best to make its personal choices, however the US state of affairs is obvious, he stated.

Also learn: Norway acknowledges Palestine as a rustic. What does that entail? (+)