Palestinians seek to halt $656-million judgment in U.S.

By the Editorial Team · Friday, July 31, 2026

Palestinian authorities have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to pause enforcement of a $656 million judgment awarded to American victims of early 2000s attacks in Jerusalem. They argue that immediate payment could disrupt essential services and regional stability, while plaintiffs see the ruling as a critical step toward justice.

Palestinian authorities have requested that the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily halt enforcement of a $656 million judgment related to a longstanding lawsuit brought by American victims of attacks in Israel. The appeal was filed Thursday following a lower court’s recent decision to reinstate the damages award.

The case dates back more than two decades, involving families of those killed or injured in attacks carried out in Jerusalem in the early 2000s. The plaintiffs initiated their suit under the Anti-Terrorism Act, which permits U.S. victims of international terrorism to pursue legal action in American courts.

In court filings, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority argued that immediate payment of the judgment would severely disrupt essential government services in the West Bank, harm innocent civilians, and undermine regional stability. They are seeking a pause on disbursement while they continue to challenge the reinstatement of the verdict.

The legal journey has seen numerous reversals: a federal court in New York initially overturned the verdict in favor of the PLO and the Palestinian Authority, consistent with earlier rulings and legislative amendments that had complicated the plaintiffs’ ability to maintain their claims. However, in 2025, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the victims’ families and reinstated the suits.

More recently, in March, the U.S. 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals agreed to reinstate the $656 million judgment. Lawyers representing the plaintiffs welcomed this outcome at the time, describing it as a crucial step toward achieving justice for the affected families.

As the legal proceedings continue, the Palestinian entities are seeking relief from the Supreme Court to defer payment of the award, emphasizing the potential humanitarian and security consequences of an immediate payout. The plaintiffs, meanwhile, view the decision by the appellate court as a reaffirmation of their right to recover damages for losses suffered during attacks linked to militancy in Israel.

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