Israel slams Palestinian ‘deception scheme’ over claim it halted terror rewards program
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Recent reports suggest that the president of the Palestinian Authority (PA) has made a significant shift by announcing the end of the controversial “pay for slay” program. This program provided financial support to Palestinian terrorists and their families. However, there are conflicting reports about whether the PA has truly terminated the program or is attempting to deceive the Trump administration.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Oren Marmorstein, has expressed skepticism about the PA’s announcement, stating that it may be a deceptive tactic to continue providing payments to terrorists through alternative channels. Despite this, the Palestinian News and Information Agency (WAFA) reported that Mahmoud Abbas has issued a decree revoking the articles related to the payment of financial allowances to prisoners, martyrs, and the wounded.
The pay for slay policy gained widespread attention following the tragic death of Taylor Force, a decorated military veteran, at the hands of a Palestinian terrorist. In response, President Trump signed the Taylor Force Act into law, which aimed to halt U.S. aid to the PA until the program was terminated.
Asher Fredman, a former Israeli government official, has raised doubts about the sincerity of Abbas’ announcement, suggesting that the payments to terrorists may continue through alternative channels under the PA’s control. Rabbi Abraham Cooper of the Simon Wiesenthal Center emphasized the need for concrete actions to end the practice of rewarding terrorists for their violent acts.
The PA’s decision to end the “pay for slay” program is seen as an attempt to improve relations with the Trump administration and avoid further conflict. This move is viewed as a significant concession to the U.S., following years of strained relations between the two parties.
Overall, the decision by the PA to end the controversial program marks a potential shift in their approach to addressing terrorism and violence. However, questions remain about the true intentions behind this announcement and whether it will lead to lasting change in the region.
