WASHINGTON, D.C. (WordNews.org) March 26, 2018 – The Taylor Force Act which defunds the Palestinian Authority became law last week following President Donald Trumps signature.

The new law defunds the PA until it stops funding and supporting terroristic acts against Israel and the United States, according to Liberty Counsel.

Liberty Counsel noted that the Palestinian Authority spent $358 million in 2017, about 7 percent of its budget, o payments to terrorists and their families, up from $322 million the previous year. Much of that aid comes from the U.S., which has provided an average of $335 million a year for the past five years.

Each terrorist serving a three- to five-year sentence in an Israeli prison receives a monthly stipend equivalent to $580, the same as the average monthly salaries of Palestinians living in the West Bank. Terrorists serving a life sentence receive a monthly stipend amounting to $2,900. Married terrorists receive an additional $87 a month, and those who are married with children receive an additional $14 per child a month. Terrorists who have Israeli citizenship receive an additional $144 a month, Liberty Counsel said.

Under the Taylor Force Act, the Palestinian Authority will have to revoke any law, decree or document authorizing a compensation scheme for prisoners “that uses the sentence or period of incarceration to determine the level of compensation paid,” Liberty Counsel said.

The secretary of state will also have to certify that the Palestinian Authority “has terminated payments for acts of terrorism against American and Israeli citizens after the attackers being fairly tried and who have been imprisoned for such acts of terrorism, including the family members of the convicted individuals.” In addition, the PA will also have to take “credible steps” against incitement to violence against Israelis and Americans, Liberty Counsel said.

“I applaud President Trump and Congress for defunding the Palestinian Authority advocacy and support of terrorism,” said Mat Staver, Chairman of Liberty Counsel, President of Christians in Defense of Israel, and Founder and President of Covenant Journey. “Thanks to President Trump who was willing to set the tone and do the right thing regarding terrorism. Prior Republican and Democratic presidents have continued to fund the Palestinian Authority even though they knew that our tax dollars were being used to promote and fund terrorism. As of today, that sad chapter has been closed and a new day has dawned.”