IMRA Asks: Can AG Mazuz Commit Israel To Cover Half Billion Shekel PA Obligation?

2005-03-07

Aaron Lerner

Israel Radio reported this morning that Attorney General Mazuz has advised the Israeli courts that the State of Israel guarantees payment of rulings against the Palestinian Authority in the amount of half a billion shekels. Mazuz made the commitment in order to release PA funds that are frozen under court orders pending the outcome of cases against the PA. The Israel Radio report explained that the frozen funds were taxes collected by Israel on behalf of the PA on goods imported to the PA via Israeli ports and that it is assumed that Israel takes no real risk in making the commitment since there is an ongoing flow of such payments.

IMRA asked the following questions today to the Spokesperson's Office of the Ministry of Justice:

"Please clarify how Attorney General Mazuz has the authority to commit the State of Israel to cover half a billion shekels in possible obligations of the PA?

AA. Attorney General Mazuz has the legal authority to independently make this commitment?

BB. Attorney General Mazuz made the commitment on the basis of a Cabinet decision?

CC. Attorney General Mazuz made the commitment on the basis of some other decision/commitment by another authority of the State of Israel?

I would like to point out that the bulk of the PA money flowing through Israel is related to goods imported via Israeli ports for the PA. Once the border between Gaza and Egypt and/or the Gaza Port opens it is not clear how much cargo bound for the PA will move through Israeli ports."

Source: IMRA – Independent Media Review and Analysis