Supreme Court Justice Denies Request to Halt $656 Million Verdict Against Palestinian Authorities
WASHINGTON (AP) — A significant legal development unfolded as Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor declined a request to suspend a $656 million judgment against Palestinian authorities. This decision comes in the context of a protracted lawsuit initiated by American victims and their families affected by attacks in Israel.
The case reached a pivotal moment last year when the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the victims, reinforcing the judgment. The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority (PA) argued in court filings that complying with the judgment could severely disrupt essential government operations in the West Bank. They sought a delay in payment while appealing the reinstatement of the verdict.
Originally filed by families of those affected by the early 2000s attacks in Jerusalem, the lawsuit invokes the Anti-Terrorism Act. This legislation facilitates the pursuit of justice in U.S. courts by victims of international terrorism. The attacks tragically resulted in the loss of 33 lives and caused injuries to hundreds more.
Initially, a federal court in New York overturned the verdict on appeal, siding with the PLO and PA as legislative changes allowed the lawsuits to proceed. However, the Supreme Court revitalized two related cases in 2025, prompting the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to restore the verdict in March. Following this decision, attorneys representing the plaintiffs expressed satisfaction and relief, emphasizing that it provided an opportunity for “justice to be done” after enduring an extensive legal journey.
