Prime Minister Netanyahu has approved the transfer of frozen Palestinian Authority tax revenue, following the recommendations of Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon.
The tax revenue had been frozen following various unilateral steps by the Palestinian Authority in the international arena, in breach of all agreements with Israel.
Debts owed by the PA, such as for water, sewage, electricity and medical care will be deducted from the amount transferred to the PA.
The Prime Minister’s office says the decision was made based on humanitarian concerns and a broad view of Israeli interests at this time.
PM Netanyahu said that with the Middle East in turmoil, Israel must act judiciously and responsibly, along with determination against the extremists.
The Palestinian Authority has not retracted its plan to go to the International Criminal Court and charge Israelis with war crimes, or other steps against Israel in the international arena, in particular at the UN.
And the PA is still transferring money to the families of terrorists.
Releasing the funds may be an attempt to appease US President Obama, or alternatively, Israel is afraid that the PA may actually collapse, which would usher in a Hamas take over.
Information from Tazpit News Agency was used to produce this report.