Israeli Parliament Moves To Deport Those Convicted Of Terrorism

The Israeli Parliament Knesset, on Wednesday (15 February), voted to allow for the revocation of citizenship and deportation of those who were jailed for terrorism and who have also been rewarded financially for their acts.

The legislation does not specifically target any group or identity and will be applicable to all citizens. It does permit the deportation of any citizen who receive money from terrorist organizations, including the Palestinian Authority.

The Palestinian Authority has long provided funds to families of those imprisoned for attacks on Israeli citizens. These prisoners are seen as heroes in Israel.

The Israeli government, however, views this ‘welfare’ as rewarding terrorist activities and an incentive to carry out more attacks.

In (15 February) Wednesday’s vote, the Parliament voted 94-10 , in favour of the law which gives the government power to deport citizens to either neighbouring West Bank or the Gaza Strip.

An explanatory note to the Bill says, “It is inconceivable that Israeli citizens and residents who have not only betrayed the state and Israeli society but have also agreed to receive payment from the PA as wages for committing the act of terrorism and continue to benefit from it — will continue to hold Israeli citizenship or residency status.”

Palestinians form around a fifth of Israel’s total population. Palestinians living in East Jerusalem have Israeli residency rights, which allow them to work and travel freely and provide access to Israeli social services, but not full citizenship, which would allow them to vote.

The Bill received support from across the spectrum from Israeli lawmakers, whereas Arab lawmakers opposed it.

The recent comeback to power by Benjamin Netanyahu has seen several reforms being undertaken by the government, including judicial reforms, which saw massive protests in Israel.

On the same day, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir ordered the country’s prison service to reduce shower time for security inmates, a move widely criticised by the opposition leaders.