"The two decided to establish working groups to further strengthen economic relations and the strategic alliance between the countries."
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Israel renewed a waiver allowing banks to work with the Palestinian Authority despite terror stipend concerns. Officials warned cutting ties could harm security and foreign relations. The waiver now runs through November 2025.
Jerusalem, 29 November, 2024 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s Security Cabinet on Thursday night extended a waiver allowing Israeli banks to cooperate with Palestinian ones for another year.
The waiver allows Israeli banks to process shekel payments for services and salaries associated with the Palestinian Authority without running afoul of laws against terror-funding and money laundering. Palestinian banks process PA stipends for imprisoned terrorists and their families.
Israel came under heavy US and European pressure as diplomats argued that without the waiver, the Palestinian Authority economy would collapse. An opinion presented by Israel’s National Security Council said that severing banking ties with the PA would have “significant negative consequences” for Israel’s security and foreign relations, warning such a move would increase Palestinian terror financing and money laundering.
The nw waiver expires at the end of November 2025.
The Palestinian Authority allocates seven percent of its annual budget for its so-called “Martyr’s Fund,” which provides the stipends. The size of the monthly payouts is primarily determined by the duration of the terrorist’s incarceration, with a negligible additional factor based on family size.
Ramallah has been paying out stipends for years, but the issue came under a spotlight following the murder of Taylor Force, a U.S. citizen killed by a Palestinian who went on a stabbing rampage in Jaffa in 2018. Congress passed the Taylor Force Act, which halted U.S. aid to the Palestinians as long as terror stipends are being paid out.
U.S. assistance to the Palestinian Authority resumed under the administration of President Joe Biden. In December 2022, American victims of Palestinian terror filed a lawsuit against the President and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, arguing that the payments violate the Taylor Force Act.
Despite claiming to be operating at a 172% budget deficit, the Palestinian Authority in July recognized 899 new prisoners from Gaza and tens of thousands more Gaza “martyrs” as eligible for the “pay for slay” payouts.
The second day of the Climate Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan
The Minister of Environmental Protection Idit Silman, Israeli Ambassador in Azerbaijan George Deek, and Director General of the Ministry of Environmental Protection Assaf Yazdi were at the COP29 United Nations Climate Conference during the World Leaders Climate Action Summit.
The Minister of Environmental Protection, Idit Silman: “Climate change is a global challenge that requires international participation and a deep commitment on the part of all countries. Israel brings to the COP the spirit of innovation for developing advanced solutions alongside a commitment for promoting international and regional cooperation. A new Climate Law, pending approval, will lead Israel towards a transformation for a healthier and more sustainable future. The Climate Action Summit is proof that leaders of the world, including Israel, are committed to increasing efforts for future generations and for the entire planet.”
Israeli Ambassador to Azerbaijan, George Deek: “The United Nations climate conference in Baku is an important arena for Israel to display its technological excellence and goodwill, with an aim of offering assistance for adapting to climate change. Even in the midst of war Israel continues to be committed to international efforts for tackling the climate crisis.”
The second day of the UNFCCC COP29 began with the arrival of heads of state and government to the Baku Stadium. Heads of State held bilateral meetings, following which the World Leaders Climate Action Summit opened . Participating on behalf of the Israeli delegation were the Minister of Environmental Protection Idit Silman, Israeli Ambassador to Azerbaijan George Deek, and Director General of the Ministry of Environmental Protection Assaf Yazdi.
Later in the day, the Minister participated in a high level round table discussion on mitigation action, including heads of state and senior representatives. Among the speakers at the table: John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the US President for International Climate Policy ,the Presidents of North Macedonia and Togo, Prime Minister of Belgium, climate envoys from France and Norway, the International Monetary Fund and large international corporations. During discussions with some of the participants, the Minister of Environmental Protection mentioned Israel’s renewable energy efforts to reduce carbon emissions through advancing dual use solar PV in the built environment, thereby protecting open spaces and biodiversity. In addition, the Minister mentioned work being carried out by the Ministry for mapping and analyzing the potential and costs of installing solar energy systems in Hevel Takuma (western Negev region) and in 20 additional local authorities throughout the country.
In the Israeli pavilion, the Israeli Minister and Director General met with Marija Vučković, Minister for Environmental Protection and Green Transition of Croatia, and discussed possible cooperation in areas such as waste management, mitigation and adaptation and water management within the context of climate change. Discussions continued on protection and conservation of the marine environment as an economic and tourist resource. The ministers of Israel and Croatia agreed to promote the signing of an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) for environmental cooperation.
