Israeli Parliament Approves Controversial Law to Deport Relatives of Alleged ‘Terrorists

Thursday 07 November 2024 - 14:55

The Israeli parliament has passed a highly controversial law that grants the government the authority to deport the relatives of individuals accused of terrorism, including its own citizens. The law was approved in a final reading on Thursday, with 61 votes in favor and 41 against.

This legislation, sponsored by Hanoch Milwidsky from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party, empowers the Israeli interior minister to expel first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, or spouses) of individuals labeled as “terrorists” to Gaza or other locations, if they are found to have expressed support for or aligned with the alleged attackers, or failed to report terrorism-related information.

The law also applies to Palestinian citizens of Israel, residents of occupied East Jerusalem, and potentially the West Bank. Although Israeli citizens could be deported under the law, they would retain their citizenship. The deported individuals would face removal for periods ranging from 7 to 15 years for citizens and 10 to 20 years for residents. They will be allowed to present a defense in hearings conducted by the interior minister, who must make a decision within 14 days.

Critics argue that the law is unconstitutional and contravenes Israel’s core values. Eran Shamir-Borer, a senior researcher at the Israel Democracy Institute, believes that the law could be struck down by the Supreme Court if challenged.

In a separate development, a five-year temporary order was passed allowing minors under 14 convicted of murder as part of terrorism to face prison sentences.

Another measure, also approved, empowers the Ministry of Education to dismiss teachers affiliated with "terrorist acts," including Palestinian identity expressions or support for Palestinian aspirations, particularly in Palestinian-run schools in East Jerusalem and within Israel. Teachers could be dismissed without prior notice and schools could face funding cuts.

These legislative steps are part of a broader hardline approach by Israel's Knesset, which has recently also moved to shut down the UNRWA, the main aid agency for Palestinian refugees. This follows the ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza, which have claimed thousands of Palestinian lives since October 2023.