In a landmark decision on Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously upheld a law allowing American victims of overseas terror attacks to sue the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in U.S. courts.
This 9-0 ruling reverses a previous decision by a lower court that found the 2019 Promoting Security and Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act unconstitutional. That law aimed to help victims and families pursue justice and financial compensation for attacks linked to Palestinian groups in Israel and the West Bank.
Justice for U.S. Terror Victims
Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the Court, confirmed that the law aligns with the Fifth Amendment’s guarantee of due process. He emphasized that Congress and the President acted within their powers to protect American citizens from terrorism, allowing them a legal path for justice.
“It is permissible,” Roberts wrote, “for the federal government to ensure that Americans harmed by terrorist acts abroad have a proper forum to seek redress.”
Years-Long Legal Battle
The ruling is a significant victory for families who have been waiting for years to hold the PA and PLO accountable. Among them are relatives of victims killed in attacks around Jerusalem from 2002 to 2004, as well as the family of Ari Fuld, a U.S.-Israeli citizen fatally stabbed in the West Bank in 2018.
In 2015, these families were awarded a $655 million civil judgment, but jurisdictional issues prevented enforcement. Now, with the Supreme Court’s green light, they hope to finally see that ruling honored.
A Broader Legal Impact
The ruling also reaffirms the U.S. government’s authority to take legal action in the fight against terrorism, especially when American citizens are involved. The decision reflects bipartisan support—first pursued under President Biden and later continued under President Trump.
The case focused on a provision that automatically grants U.S. court jurisdiction if the Palestinian authorities engage in certain activities within the United States or make payments to those who harm Americans. While the PA and PLO had argued this violated their constitutional rights, the Supreme Court rejected that claim.
Chief Justice Roberts noted that this was a calculated move by U.S. lawmakers to “halt, deter, and disrupt” terrorism worldwide and ensure justice for victims.
What’s Next?
Lawyers for the victims’ families expressed hope that the case could now be resolved quickly without dragging them through more legal delays.
Kent Yalowitz, one of the attorneys, said, “These families have waited far too long. We hope this decision brings them one step closer to justice.”
The ruling comes at a time when tensions between Israel and Palestinian groups remain high, giving the decision even more geopolitical weight.
