Israel will transfer another NIS 70 million of frozen tax revenues to the Palestinian Authority in the coming days, bringing the total to 140 million. Another 60-70 millions shekels have also been promised, and the money will go to the PA's new finance minister. Yasser Arafat, who himself controls $1.3 billion according to IDF Intelligence Chief Gen. Aharon Ze'evi-Farkash, has agreed to the formation of a new body that will oversee all PA property and money.
Foreign Minister Shimon Peres and other Israeli officials met with PA negotiators last night to discuss the transfer. They also talked about Defense Minister Binyamin Ben Eliezer’s “Gaza First” plan, and Peres is now leaning to accept the PA's demand to include Bethlehem in the first stage of the arrangement. The plan calls for Israel to pull out its troops from Arab towns and have PA forces rein in terrorism instead. No agreement was reached, but more meetings are planned for the near future. The delegations also talked of ways to improve the humanitarian condition for Arab residents of Yesha.
Foreign Minister Shimon Peres and other Israeli officials met with PA negotiators last night to discuss the transfer. They also talked about Defense Minister Binyamin Ben Eliezer’s “Gaza First” plan, and Peres is now leaning to accept the PA's demand to include Bethlehem in the first stage of the arrangement. The plan calls for Israel to pull out its troops from Arab towns and have PA forces rein in terrorism instead. No agreement was reached, but more meetings are planned for the near future. The delegations also talked of ways to improve the humanitarian condition for Arab residents of Yesha.