Israel's 'freeze on PA funds'? Pure spin

[Jefferson23]

Netanyahu's announcement panders to the right, but the actual funds have already been transferred to the PA.

By Barak Ravid | Apr. 13, 2014 | 8:03 PM

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bureau held a briefing for foreign media agencies on Thursday, announcing his decision to freeze the transfer of tax money that Israel collects for the Palestinian Authority, with funds also being confiscated to pay off PA debts to the Israel Electric Corporation and other entities. This was Israel’s response to the PA’s application to join 15 international conventions and treaties at the United Nations, the bureau said.

But there was a large disparity between the briefing and reality. Senior Israeli officials said that Israel had transferred to the PA the entire amount of the tax revenues it had collected in March – approximately $100 million – three or four days earlier.

When Netanyahu's bureau announced the sanctions and the freeze on funds to the international media and Habayit Hayehudi Chairman Naftali Bennett, the money was already safely ensconced in the bank account of the Palestinian Finance Ministry. In Yiddish it's called "Yisrabluff." In English it's called "spin."

The senior officials said Netanyahu’s decision to freeze the money, over the objection of Finance Minister Yair Lapid, would only be relevant, if at all, in May, with regard to tax money collected in April. The officials say the decision, which had declarative value only, was intended for domestic political consumption, particularly to calm the right flank of Netanyahu’s coalition.

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/.premium-1.585317

[bemildred]

1. Bullshit rules the world.

This story itself is bullshit, since it is obvious that Bibi cannot keep funds already provided, and the question is obviously what about next time?

But they love the stern parental pose, don't they? While keeping what does not belong to them.

[Violet_Crumble]

2. Gotta love those 'declarative value only' announcements n/t

[bemildred]

4. It's an art, making those phrases up.

"unknown unknowns", "reality-based community", "national security interests".

They sound like they mean something, but what? Aren't "unknown unknowns" just the same thing as unknowns?

[Jefferson23]

3. Yep, it is bullshit with a you're under my thumb reminder..stupid asses. n/t