The Jerusalem District Court wrote in a landmark ruling Monday that the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) bear responsibility for 17 terror attacks that were carried out during the Second Intifada from 2000-2004.
In its decision, the Court cites the “financial and practical support” and ideological encouragement for the attacks provided to the terrorists by the Palestinian Authority and the PLO.
The Court also noted the longtime “pay to slay” policy of the Palestinian Authority government which pays a generous monthly stipend to imprisoned terrorists and their families as well as to the families of terrorists who die during an attack on Israelis.
In addition, the ruling points to the praise from Palestinian Authority government officials which is heaped on terrorists who murder Israeli civilians – praise that is poured into official government publications, shouted at public rallies and permanently memorialized by naming streets and public squares after the killers.
“The declared policy of the PLO and PA, led by Yasser Arafat, to carry out terror attacks against Israel” also points to the Palestinian Authority government’s responsibility, said the Court.
Israelis were targeted in more than 130 suicide bombings and other attacks during the four-year wave of violence that terrorized the civilian population in the Jewish State.
The decision may enable the families of the terror victims to sue the Palestinian Authority and the PLO for civil damages within the Israeli court system.
To view the Court summary of the decision (in Hebrew), click here.