Special to WorldTribune.com

JERUSALEM — The Palestinian Authority, nearing economic collapse,
has maintained salaries to insurgents, including would-be suicide attackers,
captured by Israel.

In a report, Palestinian Media Watch (PMW) cited a Palestinian detainee who said he planned an attack in the Jewish state to help pay his debts.

“I decided to arrange an imaginary plan for the Israeli Shabak [Israel Security Agency] so that I would be arrested,” the detainee, identified as Husni Najar, said. “After I would spend five years [in prison], I would receive a salary of about 4,000 shekels [upon release], and this amount would be for three years.”

Najar’s testimony to Israeli police in August 2013 was released by PMW. In his signed statement, Najar said he was paid 45,000 shekels by the PA Prisoners Affairs Ministry for his first term in an Israeli prison, deemed insufficient to repay his debts.

As a result, Najar said he decided to ensure that he would be arrested
again for an insurgency plot. He said he hoped his current detention would
result in PA payments that would total 144,000 shekels. In both cases, Najar
acknowledged that he planned suicide attacks against the Jewish state.

“And then, I would cover my debts,” Najar was quoted as saying.

Earlier this month, the PA said it was allocating another $46 million for
Palestinians released from Israeli detention. PA Prisoners Affair Minister
Issa Karake said the money would be delayed until April because of budget
constraints.

PMW, which testified in the U.S. Congress as well as in the European
Parliament, has documented PA funding to insurgents, including those
convicted of mass-casualty attacks. The Jerusalem-based group said Najar was
already receiving a PA salary for his latest arrest.

The EU has acknowledged difficulties in aid to the PA, including lack of
transparency. In October 2013, the European Court of Auditors said up to two
billion euro in aid has gone accounted for and urged tighter monitoring. In
response, the EU said it would continue assistance.

  Husni Najar, Insurgent plotted terror attack on Israel to pay debts using guaranteed Palestinian Authority salary, Israel Security Agency, Issa Karake, shekels