Sa'ar Accuses PA of Deceit on 'Pay-forlay' Policy

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has renewed accusations against the Palestinian Authority (PA), alleging that President Mahmoud Abbas is concealing the continuation of the 'pay-for-slay' policy.

The controversy follows recent statements by President Abbas, in which he asserted that 'loyalty' to prisoners constitutes a 'moral obligation' for the Palestinian leadership.

Sa'ar disputes the PA's claims of reform, arguing that financial disbursements to prisoners are being rebranded to appear legitimate. Specifically, Sa'ar alleges that these payments are disguised as pensioner stipends and security officer salaries.

This renewed criticism underscores the deep mistrust between the Israeli government and the PA regarding the handling of funds allocated to individuals convicted of security offenses.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has leveled serious charges against the Palestinian Authority leadership, specifically targeting President Mahmoud Abbas.

The central claim is that the PA is actively misleading international observers about the nature of its financial support for prisoners.

According to Sa'ar, the PA has not genuinely reformed its controversial payment system, often referred to as 'pay-for-slay.' Instead, the funds are allegedly being routed through different administrative channels to obscure their true purpose.

The specific methods of this alleged deception include:

• Classifying payments as pensioner stipends for former prisoners.
• Listing disbursements as security officer salaries to legitimize the funding.

These accusations serve to challenge the narrative of reform presented by the PA in diplomatic circles.

The renewed accusations by Sa'ar are a direct response to recent rhetoric from Mahmoud Abbas.

The PA President recently made public statements regarding the status of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Abbas characterized the state's support for these individuals as a fundamental 'moral obligation'.

By using the term 'loyalty,' Abbas signaled that the PA views financial and social support for prisoners as a non-negotiable policy priority.

This stance has drawn sharp criticism from Israeli officials who view these payments as an incentive for terrorism. The debate highlights the divergent perspectives on the Palestinian prisoner issue:

• Palestinian View: Prisoners are viewed as freedom fighters and victims of occupation, warranting state support.
• Israeli View: Payments to perpetrators of violence are seen as glorifying terror and undermining peace efforts.

The ongoing dispute over the 'pay-for-slay' policy has significant ramifications for regional stability and diplomatic negotiations.

Sa'ar's public denunciation of the PA's alleged accounting practices suggests a hardening of the Israeli position. By accusing the PA of duplicity, the Foreign Minister is effectively challenging the credibility of the Palestinian leadership on the international stage.

If the allegations that payments are disguised as security officer salaries are true, it could complicate the PA's relations with Western donors who may have conditions regarding the use of aid money.

Ultimately, the refusal of the Palestinian Authority to cease these payments, or to be transparent about them, remains a primary obstacle in the eyes of the Israeli government to any resumption of meaningful peace talks.

The conflict between Gideon Sa'ar and Mahmoud Abbas regarding the 'pay-for-slay' policy encapsulates the broader mistrust that defines the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Sa'ar's assertion that the PA is disguising payments as pensionerer stipends and security officer salaries directly contradicts the PA's claims of moral obligation and reform.

Until there is a resolution to the dispute over these financial disbursements, the diplomatic rift between the two parties is likely to persist, hindering any potential for de-escalation or negotiation.