Israel considers release of funds to Abbas

JERUSALEM, Dec 20 (Reuters) Israel is considering releasing millions of dollars in withheld tax funds to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Western and Palestinian sources familiar with the discussions said today.

Releasing the funds could bolster Abbas in the run-up to new elections he has called over objections from his Hamas rivals.

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Israel was considering releasing the money in stages, allowing Abbas to make payments to civil servants, who have not received their full salaries since Hamas came to power in March.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert declined to comment.

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