The Palestinian Authority’s Controversial Decision to End “Pay for Slay”

Jerusalem—The Palestinian Authority (PA) has sparked widespread controversy with its recent announcement to dismantle its long-standing "pay for slay" program, which has historically provided financial compensation to Palestinian terrorists and their families. The decision, made by PA President Mahmoud Abbas, appears to be an attempt to align with the Trump administration’s demands and avoid further strain in U.S.-Palestinian relations. However, the move has been met with skepticism, as many question whether the PA has genuinely abandoned the program or is merely attempting to deceive the international community by funneling payments through alternative channels.

The "pay for slay" program, officially known as the "Prisoners’ Law," has been a contentious issue for years, providing monthly stipends to Palestinians imprisoned by Israel for acts of terrorism, as well as to the families of deceased terrorists. The program gained international attention following the tragic murder of Taylor Force, a U.S. citizen and West Point graduate, who was killed by a Palestinian terrorist in Israel in 2016. The incident led to the passage of the Taylor Force Act in 2018, which aimed to withhold U.S. aid to the PA until it ceased payments to terrorists and their families.

Despite Abbas’ recent decree revoking the legal framework for the program, reports indicate that the PA may simply be rerouting the payments through a newly established entity, the Palestinian Economic Empowerment Foundation. Critics argue that this foundation, which is closely tied to the PA, serves as a mere shell to continue the payments under a different name. Asher Fredman, a former Israeli government official, described the move as a "ruse" aimed at deceiving the Trump administration, emphasizing that the PA’s true commitment to ending terrorism-related payments remains unclear.

The PA’s decision comes amid broader efforts to improve relations with the Trump administration, which have been strained since Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in 2017. The move has been interpreted as a strategic attempt to curry favor with the U.S., particularly as the PA seeks to avoid the diplomatic isolation it experienced during the first Trump presidency. However, the credibility of Abbas’ announcement has been questioned, with many pointing to the PA’s history of failing to address terrorism and incitement in its media, schools, and public institutions.

Meanwhile, the Biden administration faces legal challenges over allegations that U.S. funds have indirectly supported Palestinian terrorism. A recent lawsuit claims that the administration knowingly allowed American aid to reach individuals linked to terrorist activities, further complicating the already tense situation. While the PA has publicly claimed to have ended the "pay for slay" program, its actions continue to be scrutinized by both Israeli and American officials, who remain skeptical of Abbas’ commitment to reform.

The broader implications of this development extend beyond the immediate controversy, as it reflects the ongoing challenges in U.S.-Palestinian relations and the pressures faced by foreign leaders to conform to Washington’s agenda. Experts like Jason Brodsky of United Against Nuclear Iran suggest that the "Trump effect" has made foreign leaders more cautious, as they seek to avoid confrontation with the U.S. president. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community remains vigilant, waiting to see whether the PA’s announcement marks a genuine shift in policy or simply another chapter in a long history of deception.