Israel calls on international community to unite Iranian plan to financially reward families of Palestinian terrorists – Letter from Israel

Identical letters dated 24 February 2016 from the Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council

Earlier today, we heard an outrageous statement made by Iran’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Mohammad Fathali. Iran, the largest supporter and funder of terrorism, today announced its plan to financially reward the families of Palestinian terrorists, up to $30,000.

Fathali announced that “the decision firstly includes giving an amount worth $7,000 to every family of a martyr of the intifada in Jerusalem”. Iran’s definition of a “martyr” is any Palestinian who murders innocent Israeli men, women and children. This statement comes less than a week after the deplorable statement by Hassan Nasrallah, the head of Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy in Lebanon and Syria, threatening the lives of Israeli citizens.

Today’s announcement by Mr. Fathali reveals the true face of Iran. On the one hand, Iran promotes a United Nations resolution entitled “A world against violence and extremism” and, on the other hand, it rewards terrorists for carrying out acts of violence against innocent people.

It is appalling to hear a Member State of the United Nations publically admit its plans to fund the current wave of terror that has already taken 32 innocent Israeli lives and has injured hundreds of others. Sadly, while this statement is appalling, it is most definitely not surprising.

Iran continues to sow the seeds of terror around the world and fuels the engine of Palestinian terror and incitement. Iran is proving yet again that wherever there is terror, there is Iran. The primary destabilizing factor in the Middle East is Iran, which instigates instability and chaos throughout the region. Thus, it comes as no surprise that even after signing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Iran is still deeply involved in encouraging terrorism.

The international community must unite to stop the flow of Iranian terror money.

At a time when the United Nations is discussing the important issue of preventing violent extremism, it is imperative that you make your voice heard. Iran’s recent statement and its ongoing support of terror must be condemned.

I should be grateful if you would have the present letter distributed as a document of the Security Council.

(Signed) Danny Danon
Ambassador
Permanent Representative