The biannual conference of nations that contribute to the Palestinian Authority (PA) convened in Oslo, Norway, Nov. 16-18. Representing Israel was Minister for Regional Cooperation Issawi Frej, who has made civilian and economic aid to the Palestinians a major focus of his mission. Frej met in Oslo with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh and Palestinian Finance Minister Shukri Bishara.
These meetings represent another significant change in direction taken by the current government, especially as compared to the previous government. Frej brought a new Israeli attitude to the conference of donor nations by calling for an increase in donations and support to the PA. This is important particularly since the PA is having bigger cash flow problems than usual.
