PA finance minister sends letter of appreciation to Israeli counterpart Kahlon

Bishara's letter to Kahlon, which was spread on Palestinian social media networks, aroused outraged reactions among Palestinian activists.

By MAAYAN GROISMAN
Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon (photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)
Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon
(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)
PA finance minister sends letter of appreciation to Israeli counterpart Moshe Kahlon Palestinian Authority Finance Minister Shukri Bishara has sent a letter of appreciation to his Israeli counterpart, Moshe Kahlon, following Israel's decision to transfer 500 million NIS in withheld taxes to the Palestinian Authority.
In their meeting last week, Kahlon vowed to release the Palestinian Authority's tax revenues in order to help it cover a deficit of 1.5 billion NIS, thus preventing a collapse of the PA. The Israeli finance minister also announced to his Palestinian colleague that Israel will issue thousands of additional work permits for Palestinians to work in Israel.
According to Palestinian media, in his letter to Kahlon, Bishara thanked his Israeli counterpart for the transfer of money and stated that "owing to your leadership and understanding, we have reached a positive turning point and set the stage for a new beginning in the commercial relationship between Israel and ourselves."
Bishara's letter to Kahlon, which was spread on Palestinian social media networks, aroused outraged reactions among Palestinian activists. First, Bishara noted the location of Israel’s Finance Ministry as: "Jerusalem, the State of Israel," thus indirectly recognizing Israel's sovereignty over Jerusalem in contrast to the official policy of the Palestinian Authority.
In addition, Bishara also wrote to Kahlon: "extend my thanks to General Yoav Mordechai for his participation and constructive role during our meeting." Mordechai, Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, is a notorious character among Palestinians, who regard him as the "acting president of the Palestinian Authority."