U.S. Appeals Court Reinstates $656 Million Judgment Against Palestinian Authorities for Terror Attacks

A federal appeals court has reinstated a massive $656 million judgment against the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority, holding them financially liable for Americans killed or wounded in terrorist attacks in Israel. The ruling from the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals directly follows a landmark Supreme Court decision that authorized such lawsuits for victims of international terrorism, overturning the same court's prior stance in a long-running legal battle.

The case, with origins in a 1990s-era anti-terrorism law passed by Congress, represents a significant legal and financial pressure point on Palestinian governing bodies. The appellate judges, in a decision dated March 30, stated the reinstatement of the original judgment for the plaintiffs was "consistent with the plain import of the Supreme Court’s decision." This ruling reactivates a formidable financial claim that had been in legal limbo.

The reinstated judgment signals intense and ongoing legal scrutiny for the PLO and Palestinian Authority under U.S. anti-terrorism statutes. It creates a substantial, enforceable financial liability that could impact their operations and international standing. The decision underscores how U.S. courts are applying broader legal principles to hold foreign entities accountable, setting a potent precedent for other victims seeking redress for acts of international terrorism.