Palestinian Authority Ordered to Pay Millions to Soldiers and Police Officer Injured in Attacks

In a landmark ruling, the Jerusalem District Court has ordered the Palestinian Authority to compensate soldiers and a police officer injured in terror attacks, expanding the scope of the Law for Compensation for Victims of Terror (Exemplary Compensation). Previously, compensation under this law was primarily for civilians.

Three parallel rulings by Judge Ilan Sala rejected the Palestinian Authority's claim that the law does not apply to security forces. The court mandated a total payment of approximately NIS 50 million to several terror victims represented by attorneys Anat and Gilad Ginzburg.

The first ruling awarded compensation to a combat soldier severely injured in a vehicular attack. The soldier sustained permanent disabilities after a terrorist rammed him with a vehicle while he was on patrol near the Western Wall.

The second ruling compensated a police officer who was stabbed. She fought off her attacker, but the incident left her with post-traumatic stress disorder and permanent disabilities, leading to her retirement from the Israel Police. Both she and the soldier were recognized as disabled veterans.

The third case involved a couple seriously injured by gunfire from a terrorist. The pregnant woman and her soldier husband were wounded, and their infant, delivered prematurely, died from injuries sustained in the attack. The couple also suffered permanent disabilities.

Attorneys Ginzburg successfully argued that the Law for Compensation for Victims of Terror, enacted in 2024, applies to both civilians and security forces, including soldiers and police officers. The court stated that the law's wording clearly includes any "person" injured or killed by an act of terror, encompassing all categories of victims. The court emphasized that there is no justification for excluding soldiers injured in terror attacks, especially when not during active combat operations, from seeking compensation.

The Ginzburgs stated that they are pleased with the precedent-setting decision, which allows all terror victims, including security personnel and their families, to file claims against the Palestinian Authority, which they accuse of funding terrorists and their families. They view these rulings as historical justice and crucial for the victims' rehabilitation and compensation.