Ohana orders seizure of NIS 4.2m. from the Palestinian Authority

JANUARY 27, 2020 19:54

Amir Ohana at a special cabinet meeting in the Golan Heights (photo credit: AMMAR AWAD/REUTERS) — Amir Ohana at a special cabinet meeting in the Golan Heights

(photo credit: AMMAR AWAD/REUTERS)

This is the first time that a justice minister has taken such things into his own hands.

Acting Justice Minister Amir Ohana ordered the state's collection agency on Monday night to seize NIS 4.2 million in assets from the Palestinian Authority as compensation for terror victims.

Although the government as a whole has made such moves in the past, especially by temporarily freezing the transfer of money to the PA or deducting funds from its customs tax revenues, this was the first time that a justice minister has taken things into his own hands.

It was unclear whether Ohana's authority was sufficient and what the ultimate outcome would be of his order, given the unique diplomatic circumstances.