Israel rejects US idea it is causing PA collapse

Israeli authorities said Sunday that US and EU assertions that the Palestinian Authority is on the verge of collapse because Israel is withholding the monthly tax revenue it collects and transfers to Ramallah are exaggerated.

The officials were responding to consistent claims from top US and EU officials, including US Secretary of State John Kerry, that if the money is not transferred soon the PA may fall apart or stop its security cooperation with Israel.

Kerry, during a press conference Saturday in London, said he discussed with his British counterpart Philip Hammond “concerns that we share about the continued viability of the Palestinian Authority if they do not receive funds soon.”

One Israeli official said Israel has done an assessment and concluded that while “there is pressure on the PA,” there is “time” and the PA is not on the verge of collapse.