Israel contemplates major financial aid to Palestinian Authority after US request

According to Israeli media, the Israeli government is deliberating on providing “huge” financial measures to the Palestinian Authority to ease the dire economic situation, at the request of the US government.

The conservative daily Israel Hayom reported on Sunday that Israel began providing economic aid to the PA by reducing taxes imposed on fuel by 50%.

According to the daily newspaper, the tax is now 1.5%, instead of 3%, as was the case based on previous economic agreements between Israel and the PA.

That step is expected to inject about $22 million (80 million shekels) annually into the Palestinian treasury.

Other, non-monetary options also discussed

Another step being discussed is increasing the number of work permits Israel provides to Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza to work inside Israel. The paper also reports that Israel has substantially increased transfers of taxes collected on behalf of the PA so far in 2023. READ MORE