US Supreme Court Revives Lawsuits Against Palestinian Authorities for Terrorism Claims

The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously upheld a 2019 law allowing American victims of terrorism to sue the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Palestinian Authority (PA) in U.S. courts, reversing lower court decisions that had struck down the statute on due process grounds. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the court, emphasized that the law provides a narrow jurisdictional provision ensuring victims have a forum to seek compensation under the Anti-Terrorism Act, and that the PLO and PA maintain sufficient U.S. presence to establish personal jurisdiction. The ruling revives lawsuits related to attacks in Israel and the West Bank, including a 2018 stabbing of American-Israeli Ari Fuld and attacks from 2001 to 2004, where victims allege the Palestinian groups encouraged terrorism through payments to perpetrators' families. The decision reflects the federal government's interest in deterring international terrorism and providing justice for American victims, while rejecting Palestinian claims that the suits violate constitutional rights. Although the ruling does not broadly expose foreign entities to litigation in U.S. courts, it confirms Congress's ability to create jurisdiction over specific terrorism-related claims. This marks a significant legal victory for American victims and their families pursuing accountability from Palestinian organizations.