U.S. State Department Spokesman Jen Psaki told reporters that the US authorities do not support Israel's decision to freeze the transfer of $127 million to Palestine. "We call on both sides to avoid actions that raise tensions and make it more difficult to return to direct negotiations," she said. According to Psaki, "obviously this action would qualify in that category."
Previously Vestnik Kavkaza reported that Israel decided to freeze the transfer to Palestine of nearly 500 million shekels (about $127 million) collected on its behalf in taxes in December. This was done in response to the decision of the Palestinian leadership to join the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Psaki also called this action "entirely counterproductive." According to her, it caused "deep concern" in Washington. "This step does nothing to further the aspirations of the Palestinian people for a sovereign and independent state," the State Department spokesman concluded.
