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Israel

Pressure on Netanyahu to hand cash to PA

November 24, 2011 12:51

ByAnonymous, Anonymous

1 min read

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was facing down demands this week from international leaders to release £63 million in tax revenues owed to the Palestinian Authority.

American Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reportedly urged Mr Netanyahu in a telephone call on Monday to transfer the money, withheld last month after UNESCO recognition of Palestinian membership.

Tony Blair, the Quartet's Middle East envoy, criticised Israel for not releasing the funds, while European Union Ambassador Andrew Stanley said that the continuing freeze could affect the PA's ability to maintain security.

Mr Netanyahu has stated that he believes it is in Israeli interests to hand over Palestinian money, but does not ha ve a majority in the security-diplomatic cabinet to approve the transfer.