Secretary of State John Kerry shakes hands with Mahmoud Abbas, a terrorist leader and PA President / U.S. Department of State from United States, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

JERUSALEM (Worthy News) – The Palestinian Authority transferred approximately NIS 487 million to imprisoned terrorists and the families of attackers in 2025 under its controversial “pay-for-slay” policy, according to information presented during Israel’s security cabinet meeting on Sunday, the Jerusalem Post reported.

Of the total amount, NIS 395 million was paid to terrorists currently serving prison sentences, while NIS 92 million was transferred to the families of terrorists killed while carrying out attacks. Ministers were also informed that terrorists released in recent hostage agreements received special grants from the Palestinian Authority.

The payments come despite intensified international criticism following the October 7 attacks. The Donald Trump administration reportedly warned last year that sanctions could be imposed on Mahmoud Abbas and other senior PA officials if the transfers continued.

Although Abbas dismissed the finance minister who had authorized the payments, officials told the cabinet that the newly appointed minister has continued approving the stipends.

“Just as Mordechai exposed Haman as a foe and enemy before Ahasuerus, Netanyahu must convince President Trump that Abu Mazen is a foe and enemy,” Minister Orit Strock said during the meeting.

Security officials further reported that in recent months, salaries for Palestinian Authority employees — including teachers, doctors, and nurses — have been reduced to ensure that payments to terrorists remain unaffected.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has raised the issue in discussions with senior international officials, including at the United Nations, presenting data and copies of current PA legislation mandating financial support for prisoners.

According to figures presented to the cabinet, the average Palestinian Authority salary stands at about NIS 3,000 per month, while payments to terrorists can reach up to NIS 12,000 monthly.

Under a 2018 Israeli law, Jerusalem freezes tax revenues equivalent to the amount the PA distributes in connection with terrorism. To date, approximately NIS 4 billion has been withheld under the policy.

Security officials emphasized that the disclosed figures reflect known transfers and that additional funds may have been routed through other channels.

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