Deputy Defense Minister Danny Danon has introduced an initiative with American members of Congress to end US aid for the PA (Palestinian Authority). In conversations with leading congressmen and senators the deputy minister called on the lawmakers to apply the existing sanctions against terror organizations to the PA. Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah faction is forming a unity government with Hamas which has not denounced violence and still calls for the destruction of the State of Israel.

During his consultations with his American counterparts the Danon told them that “it is unthinkable that almost half a billion dollars of US aid will fund terror activities against Israel. These funds, which are transferred to the PA annually, will go straight into the hands of Hamas – a terror organization that aims to destroy Israel and openly condemned the killing of Bin Laden just a few years ago,” he continued. “Hamas is designated a terrorist organization by the US, EU, UK, Canada and Australia and just yesterday rockets were fired from their territory at Israeli populations centers,” he reminded them.

Danon’s initiative is based on the 2006 Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act which clearly states that the US may not provide aid to the PA as long as any “ministry, agency, or instrumentality of the Palestinian Authority is effectively controlled by Hamas.” American funds may only be transferred if, among other conditions, the Administration vouches that Hamas “publicly acknowledged the Jewish state of Israel’s right to exist,” and “committed itself and is adhering to all previous agreements and understandings with the United States Government, with the Government of Israel, and with the international community.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)