What's Happening?
The federal Court of Appeals in New York has reinstated a 2015 judgment requiring the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority (PA) to pay $655.5 million in damages to victims of terrorism from the Second Intifada. This decision
reverses a previous ruling by the Second US Circuit Court of Appeals in 2016, which dismissed the case due to jurisdictional issues. The case, known as Sokolow v. the Palestinian Authority, was initially filed in 2004 by families of victims of terrorist attacks during the Second Intifada. The plaintiffs argued that the PLO and PA financed and orchestrated these attacks, which included bombings in Jerusalem. The case was based on the Anti-Terrorism Act, which allows for civil lawsuits against entities that support terrorism. The recent ruling was influenced by a 2025 US Supreme Court decision affirming US courts' jurisdiction over international terrorism claims against the PA.
Why It's Important?
This ruling is significant as it sets a precedent for US courts to hear cases involving international terrorism claims, potentially opening the door for more lawsuits against foreign entities accused of supporting terrorism. The decision underscores the US legal system's commitment to holding organizations accountable for acts of terrorism that affect American citizens, even if those acts occur outside US soil. The ruling also highlights the ongoing legal and diplomatic challenges in addressing terrorism and its financial underpinnings. For the victims' families, this decision represents a long-awaited opportunity for justice and compensation, although the enforcement of the ruling remains uncertain.
What's Next?
While the ruling is a victory for the plaintiffs, enforcing the judgment remains a challenge. US courts lack the authority to compel the PA and PLO to pay the damages. However, Shurat HaDin, the legal organization representing the plaintiffs, plans to domesticate the ruling in Israel, leveraging legal treaties between the US and Israel. This process could potentially impact the PA's tax revenues. The case may also influence future legislative and judicial actions regarding terrorism-related lawsuits and the jurisdiction of US courts over international cases.
