The Israel Electric Company has turned to the High Court of Justice in the hope of the court ordering the treasury to pay the PA’s (Palestinian Authority) outstanding electric bill. In its petition to the High Court the utility company explains that the total sum owed, including electricity supplied by IEC to smaller companies which in turn supply the PA, has reached a staggering 1.5 billion shekels.

The utility company explains that dozens of letters have been sent as the debt continues to increase. The utility company reminds the court that back in December 2012, the government paid the electric company 294 million shekels, taking the money from tax funds collected by Israel that are then turned over to the PA. The utility company explains to the court that if a solution is not reached it will have no alternative but to cut service to the PA amid the realization of the consequences of such an act.

The utility company points out the nominal amount of tax funds removed from the payment to the PA by Finance Minister Yair Lapid is “inconsequential and not only does it not significantly lower the debt, the amount owed continues to increase monthly.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)