Discount and Hapoalim Banks Cut Ties with Palestinian Authority, Threatening Israeli Businesses
How 3 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.
By עידן ארץ
First reported by Globes · Aug 5, 2026
What happened
Israeli banks Discount and Hapoalim plan to end banking services with the Palestinian Authority by late 2026, risking financial chaos in Palestinian territories and impacting Israeli businesses trading there. The move is driven by anti-terror financing concerns and leaves Palestinian workers and merchants facing cash-only transactions, complicating legal compliance and security monitoring. Government efforts to mitigate risks through indemnity letters and a state-backed bank have so far been insufficient or delayed.
- 01Discount and Hapoalim banks will stop banking operations with the Palestinian Authority by September-October 2026.
- 02This will force Palestinian workers and businesses to rely on cash or foreign currency payments, disrupting trade.
- 03Israeli businesses trading with the Palestinian Authority will face legal and financial challenges due to cash transaction limits.
- 04The move is driven by fears of violating international anti-terror financing and money laundering laws linked to Palestinian banks.
- 05Government indemnity letters offer temporary protection but have not prevented banks from withdrawing.
- 06Plans for a government-backed correspondent bank have stalled, delaying a long-term solution.
Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.
Full coverage · 3 outlets
The same event, reported separately by each newsroom. Open a few to compare what each emphasizes — and what they leave out.
