‘Israel provides Palestinians economic rewards for better security coordination’

Israeli restrictions imposed on the Palestinian economy have been relaxed in return for greater security coordination between the two sides to counter the ongoing Intifada, local media has reported.

Israeli TV Channel 10 reported that a series of meetings have been held between Israeli Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon and his Palestinian counterpart Shukri Bishara. These resulted in an agreement to ease the economic restrictions on Palestinians.

The new agreement entails an increase in the number of Palestinian workers allowed to enter Israel, including craftsmen, workers and doctors.

Leader of the left-wing party, Meretz Zahava Gal-On, said it is “wrong” to believe that economic peace can substitute for negotiations, adding that this is like burying heads in the sand.