The Barriers to a Lasting Peace
With the relaunching of peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority in July 2013, so followed a renewed hope for the success of the peace process. However, a culture of hatred against Israel within the Palestinian Authority continually undermines the pursuit of peace between Israel and the Palestinians. The funding of terrorists and Palestinian incitement, which promotes hatred and violence, since the start of negotiations in July 2013, constitutes a major obstacle to any lasting peace agreement.
1) Palestinian Authority Incentives for Terrorism
Firstly, The Palestinian Authority (PA) is giving generous monthly stipends and large release grants to incarcerated terrorists, including through the abuse of fungible foreign financial assistance. These convicted murderers - 78 of whom already have been released from prison by Israel in the framework of the negotiating process with the Palestinians - are receiving monthly stipends of up to nearly $3,500 and grants of up to $25,000. In addition to these payments which are mandated by the Palestinian Prisoners’ Law, the P.A. gives released terrorists priority over other candidates for employment in official positions.
Appendix I:
Grants to Released Prisoners
Time Spent in Prison |
Amount paid in dollars |
1 - 3 years |
$1,500 |
More than 3 years (and less than 5 years) |
$2,500 |
More than 5 years (and less than 8 years) |
$3,500 |
More than 8 years (and less than 11 years) |
$4,500 |
More than 11 years (and less than 15 years) |
$6,000 |
More than 15 years (and less than 18 years) |
$8,000 |
More than 18 years (and less than 21 years) |
$10,000 |
More than 21 years (and less than 25 years) |
$12,000 |
More than 25 years (and less than 30 years) |
$15,000 |
30 years and more |
$25,000 |
In 2012 the PA paid over $75 million to terrorists in Israeli prisons and $78 million to the families of deceased terrorists (including suicide bombers). Together, these amounts account for over 16% of the annual foreign donations and grants to the PA budget. Publically rewarding convicted murderers gives an official stamp of approval to terrorist attacks on Israeli civilians. Among the terrorists receiving monetary rewards from the P.A. is Sualha Husseini and Almajed Mahmed who carried out a stabbing attack on a crowded bus, killing 24-year-old Baruch Heizler and wounding three young women.
2) Palestinian Authority Incitement
Secondly, the culture of hatred that is being cultivated by the Palestinian Authority (PA) against Israel undermines the chances for peace between Israel and the Palestinians. This culture of hatred is a decisive factor in increasing both the number of terrorist attacks and their severity. Children are educated to hate Jews and Israelis from an early age and adults are encouraged to carry out terrorist attacks.
Since the talks relaunched, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of terrorist attacks and violent acts against Israeli citizens. Terrorist attacks, including by explosive devices, small arms fire and firebombs, saw a steady increase: from 76 attacks in July, to 93 in August, 129 in September, 131 in October and 160 attacks in November 2013. Many lives were saved at the last minute when a pressure cooker bomb, similar to the one used in the Boston Marathon bombing, was discovered on a civilian bus near Tel Aviv.
Several types of incitement severely undermine prospects for peace: the glorification of terrorists who have murdered Israeli civilians; the denial of Israel's existence and the delegitimization of a Jewish state in any borders; the demonization of Jews and Israelis, including by the use of antisemitic motifs, widely used by the PA, despite the renewal of negotiations with Israel.
Much of this incitement is propagated in official PA media and in many instances, by PA officials. Incitement and hatred toward Israel, and often Jews as well, is spread by Palestinian Authority controlled television and radio stations, public schools, summer camps, official ceremonies, official speeches and internet outlets.
On October 30th, Abbas congratulated 21 terrorists from the West Bank after their release from prison by Israel. In a ceremony broadcast on official PA TV, he called them "our heroic brothers" and is seen embracing them. In the final screenshot, he is shown raising the hand of Issa Abd Rabbo, who in 1984 murdered two young Israeli students who were hiking near Jerusalem. Similar ceremonies were held with each release of terrorists.
The Palestinian leadership at the moment prepares its people for future confrontation if negotiations will fail, and even if they will succeed. In order to save the peace process and allow both sides to enjoy the benefits of peace, public and international pressure must be placed on the Palestinians to change course.