Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich instructed the Ministry of Finance to block the transfer of funds to the Palestinian Authority over suspected support for Hamas' attack on October 7, The Times of Israel reported on Monday, citing the letter addressed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"Therefore, beyond the connection of these funds to the Gaza Strip and its residents, these funds are used for activities against the State of Israel and its citizens," the minister underscored. "It is inconceivable that, in this reality, we will continue to transfer these funds as if nothing has happened," he added, claiming that the Palestinian Authority supports "terrorism."
Additionally, the finance minister urged the cabinet to review Israel's practice of transferring funds that are collected on behalf of the Palestinian Authority.