Smotrich to Gallant: "Transferring money to the PA is a serious error"

Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich responded this evening (Wednesday) to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s support for transferring funds to the Palestinian Authority.

A statement by Smotrich read: “I appreciate the Defense Minister and support his working night and day for Israeli security. His position in favor of transferring funds to the PA is a serious error.”

According to Smotrich, “I don’t intend to let the State of Israel fund our enemies in Judea and Samaria who support Hamas terrorism and who fund the terrorists of October 7 who murdered and massacred us. The Palestinian Authority is not the solution – it is part of the problem. We don’t repeat mistakes and preconceptions which blew up in our face!”

Gallant: “The funds for the PA help prevent terror”

The statement comes in response to Gallant’s statement earlier today at a press conference: “It is appropriate to deliver and immediately transfer funds to the Palestinian Authority such that it serves its forces who help prevent terrorism. The cabinet decision should be carried out.”