Jerusalem court permits seizure of $5.5 million from Palestinian Authority by Huwara attack victims' families
- The Israeli court decision enables the Yaniv family to claim substantial damages from the Palestinian Authority following the tragic loss of their loved ones to terrorism.
- The newly passed law aims to provide justice for terror victims while disrupting the financial networks supporting terrorist acts.
- This legal action highlights the ongoing conflict and the necessity for accountability for those financing terrorism in Israel.
In Israel, the Jerusalem District Court has authorized the seizure of 20 million shekels (approximately $5.5 million) from the Palestinian Authority. This decision follows the tragic murder of brothers Hallel and Yagel Yaniv by a terrorist in Samaria nearly two years prior. The court's ruling is in line with the recently enacted 'Compensation for Terror Victims Law,' passed by the Knesset, which mandates courts to impose punitive damages of at least 10 million shekels for each fatality due to terrorism. This law aims to assist victims and their families in receiving compensation by permitting the enforcement of compensation judgments against various types of property owned by the defendant, including those funds managed or transferred by the State of Israel. During the court proceedings, Shalom Yaniv, the father of the slain brothers, expressed that while no amount of money could replace their lost lives, this legal action represents a significant step towards justice for their family and emphasizes the need for economic accountability for those who finance terrorism. Attorney Asher Stub, representing the Yaniv family and associated with the Justice for Terror Victims NGO, stated that this lawsuit not only seeks fair compensation for the family but also aims to disrupt the economic structures that support terrorist activities. The enactment of the new law is projected to yield billions of shekels in compensation for terrorism victims and their families in Israel. The backdrop to this legal battle includes the Palestinian Authority's controversial 'pay for slay' policy, which allocates monthly payments to convicted terrorists and families of deceased militants through the so-called Martyrs' Fund. These payments are part of the PA's legal framework and have drawn significant criticism from families of victims of terrorism in Israel, urging them to pursue legal actions against the Authority's financial practices. The court's decision reflects a growing trend among terrorism victims' families advocating for justice and demanding accountability from those deemed responsible for financing terror.