Tax Authority uncovers plot to smuggle cement to Gaza

The company in question, Mashav Initiating and Development, is responsible for selling cement to the Palestinian Authority, by way of its subsidiary, the Nesher cement company.

By BEN HARTMAN
A Palestinian lays out sacks of cement allowed into Gaza by Israel. (photo credit: REUTERS)
A Palestinian lays out sacks of cement allowed into Gaza by Israel.
(photo credit: REUTERS)
An Israeli corporation conspired to secretly transfer thousands of tons of cement to the Gaza Strip, the Tax Authority said on Thursday.
Three suspects arrested in the case were released on bond by the Rishon Lezion Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
The company in question, Mashav Initiating and Development, is responsible for selling cement to the Palestinian Authority, by way of its subsidiary, the Nesher cement company. The arrest warrant against the three suspects stated that Mashav created an agreement with a Palestinian company to import cement from Turkey, which would then be transferred to Gaza, bypassing the import restriction on Mashav.
They then allegedly had an Israeli company sign off as the importer of the cement.
Mashav is suspected of not taking steps to notify the Tax Authority that the cement was to be imported to Gaza, preventing them from arranging a security check of the cargo.
Mashav said Thursday that they agreed to provide the cement to the Palestinian company in line with legal restrictions, and that they are cooperating fully with authorities.
Israel restricts the supply of cement to the Strip, as it can be used by terrorists, for example to build bunkers and to shore up attack tunnels.