Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Israel Questions Palestinian Authority’s Claims on Terror Rewards Program
JERUSALEM—Recent statements from the Palestinian Authority (PA) have raised eyebrows in Israel and across the international community. During a chaotic period of strained relations with the Trump administration, PA President Mahmoud Abbas allegedly announced the termination of a contentious program known as ‘pay for slay,’ which funds Palestinian terrorists and their families.
However, conflicting narratives have emerged regarding the authenticity of this claim. Critics fear that the PA is attempting to mislead the Trump administration while covertly continuing its support for terrorism.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein issued a strong rebuke on X, stating that this is a “new deception scheme by the Palestinian Authority,” intended to obscure ongoing financial support for terrorists by utilizing alternative payment channels.
Background of the ‘Pay for Slay’ Policy
The ‘pay for slay’ policy gained notoriety after the tragic killing of Taylor Force, a West Point graduate, who was murdered by a Palestinian terrorist in 2016 while touring Israel. In response, President Donald Trump signed the Taylor Force Act into law in 2018, spurred by a passionate campaign from Force’s parents, Robbi and Stuart Force.
On Monday, the Palestinian News and Information Agency (WAFA) reported that Abbas had issued a legal decree annulling certain regulations connected to the financial support system for families of prisoners, martyrs, and the wounded. That decision purportedly reallocated all powers of protection and welfare programs to the Palestinian Economic Empowerment Foundation.
Furthermore, The Times of Israel has independently confirmed this revocation of previous laws, adding to the conversation surrounding the legitimacy of Abbas’s announcement.
Experts Weigh In on Possible PA Motives
Asher Fredman, a former official now serving as the executive director of the Misgav Institute for National Security, expressed skepticism over Abbas’s declaration, asserting it appears to be a mere ploy to deceive Trump. He stated, “It seems that the payments previously made to terrorists will continue under a different banner, controlled by Abbas, rather than through an official ministry.”
Fredman posed a critical question regarding the future of PA’s funding for convicted terrorists and the broader implications this holds for combating terrorism and antisemitism in Palestinian media, education, and cultural initiatives.
In another critical comment, Rabbi Abraham Cooper, associate dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, stated that until the PA truly commits to discontinuing financial rewards for terrorist activity, skepticism will remain. He challenged Abbas’s statement, emphasizing that the world needs unequivocal evidence of a break from financing terrorism.
Shifting Payments within the PA Infrastructure
Reports indicate that amidst claims of discontinuation, payments to convicted terrorists have simply shifted from one PA ministry to the Palestinian National Economic Empowerment Foundation. The close ties between the foundation and the Ministry of Social Development, highlighted by the foundation’s board composition, raise concerns about genuine reform.
Such shifts in policy might serve as a facade rather than a significant change, as critics assert that there is no tangible commitment to ending the process of compensating families of terrorists.
The Wider Context of PA Relations with the Trump Administration
This controversy comes as the PA seeks to improve its standing with the incoming Trump administration. After Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in 2017, Abbas boycotted the administration, leading to heightened tensions.
The Times of Israel reported that PA officials communicated their plans to abandon the ‘pay for slay’ program in hopes of mending ties with Washington. This move symbolizes a potential shift in strategy, as the PA attempts to regain favor and avoid the diplomatic isolation it experienced during past administrations.
International Reactions and Consequences
The PA’s recent announcement, if genuine, could represent a significant turning point, yet skepticism persists. Fox News Digital recently reported that despite promises of reform, agreements made regarding terrorist prisoner exchanges may still result in financial compensation for released terrorists. This reality complicates the narrative surrounding the cessation of the ‘pay for slay’ program.
Jason Brodsky, policy director at United Against Nuclear Iran, commented on the broader implications of Abbas’s statements. He warned that foreign leaders are increasingly aware of the power dynamics embraced by the Trump administration, leading to calculated moves that align with U.S. interests.
The Road Ahead for the Palestinian Authority
As the Palestinian Authority navigates its relationship with both the Trump administration and Israel, the path forward remains murky. Absent concrete steps toward genuine reform, any claims of ending financial rewards for terrorism will likely be met with distrust.
This complex interplay of geopolitical interests will undoubtedly shape the future of Israeli-Palestinian relations and the broader Middle Eastern landscape.
While the Abbas administration may hope for a renewed dialogue with Washington, the lack of clarity and accountability regarding the ‘pay for slay’ program could undermine any efforts to foster peace and stability in the region.
