Arabs promise $100m a month to Palestinians if Israel halts funds

Doha: A top Palestinian negotiator says Arab nations have promised $100 million (Dh367 million) a month if Israel follows through with threats to block critical tax funds as punishment for the statehood drive by the West Bank and Gaza.

Saeb Erekat says the so-called “safety net” was pledged by Arab League foreign ministers meeting Saturday in Qatar’s capital Doha which was attended by Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister.

Erekat says the Arab funds would only begin if Israel stops the monthly tax payments to the Palestinian Authority.

In December, Israel backed down from halting the payments under intense international pressure.

But Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he would reconsider the decision if Palestinians step up their push for UN recognition of an independent state.