Palestinian Authority Blames Israel for Car Theft Surge

The Palestinian Authority has filed a defense in an Israeli court, shifting blame for the surge in car thefts from Israel to the Palestinian territories onto Israeli law enforcement. The lawsuit, initiated by the Phoenix insurance company in January, seeks approximately 553 million shekels from the PA for damages related to stolen vehicles. The PA argues that Israel is solely responsible for controlling all crossings and checkpoints between Israel and the PA-controlled areas, asserting that no Palestinian police officers are present at these locations. They claim that the stolen vehicles are taken from within sovereign Israeli territory without any prior notification from Israel to the PA.

The PA contends that Israel's failure in security and management of these checkpoints is the root cause, and responsibility should not be placed on the Palestinian Authority. The PA also reserves the right to send a third-party notice against the State of Israel. Phoenix's lawsuit alleges that the PA territories are a hub for car theft, and that the PA benefits economically from this activity, calling the PA-controlled areas a "criminal refuge zone."

A former Israeli Police Commissioner, Roni Alsheikh, provided an expert opinion stating that the car theft phenomenon is an organized and sophisticated industry, with nearly all stolen vehicles immediately transferred to PA territories. Phoenix is seeking compensation for the theft of 6,103 vehicles between 2018 and 2025.

The PA counters that it previously maintained close security cooperation with Israel to combat this issue, including a joint police team, but this cooperation ceased years ago due to the Israeli side. They also state that Palestinian law criminalizes car theft, and they actively prosecute offenders, denying any direct or indirect profit from the industry. The PA claims it is the primary loser from these thefts and that Israel prevents them from operating in Area C, where most vehicle dismantling sites are located, and has also halted security cooperation.

Phoenix, in its response, rejected the PA's claims as evasive and lacking substance, calling the PA's attempt to shift blame to Israel "erroneous and denied." The insurance company maintains that the PA has direct and independent responsibility for its actions or omissions that led to the damages. A court hearing for the case is scheduled for late November.