2024-11-07 07:28:00
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s Knesset passed a law early Thursday that would allow relatives of Palestinian attackers, including citizens of the country, to be deported to the war-torn Gaza Strip or elsewhere.
The law, pushed by members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party and its far-right allies, passed in a 61-41 vote but may be challenged in court.
It will apply to Palestinian citizens of Israel and residents of annexed areas of east Jerusalem who have prior knowledge of attacks by their relatives or “express support for or approval of terrorist acts.”
They will be deported to Gaza or elsewhere for a period of 7 to 20 years. The war between Israel and Hamas continues in Gaza, with tens of thousands killed and most displaced, often multiple times.
It was unclear whether the rule would apply in the occupied West Bank, where Israel has a long-standing policy of demolishing the homes of attackers’ families. Palestinians have carried out dozens of stabbings, shootings and vehicle attacks against Israelis in recent years.
Dr. Elan Shamir-Borrell, a senior fellow at the Israel Democracy Institute and a former international law adviser to the Israeli military, said the law would likely be overturned if it reached the Supreme Court, based on previous Israeli cases on the bill. Outbound.
“The bottom line is that this is completely unconstitutional and in clear conflict with Israel’s fundamental values,” Shamir-Bole said.
In the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel captured the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and east Jerusalem, territories that the Palestinians claim as their future state. Israel withdrew settlers and soldiers from Gaza in 2005, but has reoccupied parts of the area since a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023 that triggered the current war.
Israel’s move to annex East Jerusalem has not been recognized by most of the international community. Palestinians there have permanent residency and can apply for citizenship, but most choose not to do so, and those who do face many obstacles.
Palestinians living in Israel account for approximately 20% of the country’s population. They have citizenship and voting rights but face widespread discrimination. Many also have close family ties to people in the territories, and most are sympathetic to the Palestinian cause.
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This story was translated from English by AP editors with the help of generated artificial intelligence tools.
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**Interview with Dr. Miriam Weiss, Middle East Policy Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Weiss. Recently, the Israeli Knesset approved a controversial bill that allows for the deportation of families of Palestinian attackers. What are your initial thoughts on this legislation?
**Dr. Weiss:** Thank you for having me. This bill is quite alarming and raises significant ethical and legal questions. By targeting family members of attackers—especially those who may not have been involved in any violence themselves—it creates a collective punishment paradigm that undermines individual responsibility. This type of legislation is unprecedented and could have serious humanitarian implications, particularly given the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
**Interviewer:** What does the bill entail specifically in terms of its application?
**Dr. Weiss:** The bill allows for the deportation of family members of individuals labeled as attackers, including Palestinian citizens of Israel and those from the annexed areas of East Jerusalem. If a family member has prior knowledge of attacks or expresses support for them, they could face deportation to Gaza or other areas for periods ranging from 7 to 20 years. This applies in a context where many families are already suffering from displacement and violence.
**Interviewer:** The bill reportedly passed with a considerable majority in the Knesset. What does that say about the current political climate in Israel?
**Dr. Weiss:** The passage of this bill, particularly supported by Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Likud party and its far-right coalition partners, indicates a shift toward more hardline policies in response to ongoing violence. It reflects heightened tensions and a growing sentiment among certain political factions that favors aggressive measures against perceived threats. However, it also raises concerns about societal divisions within Israel and the potential for further conflict.
**Interviewer:** Some critics suggest this move could be challenged in court. What legal grounds could they use?
**Dr. Weiss:** There are several potential legal arguments against the bill. Opponents might claim it violates fundamental rights such as the right to family life and protection against collective punishment, which is prohibited under international law. Furthermore, it could be contested on the basis that it disproportionately affects a specific demographic and perpetuates cycles of violence and retaliation.
**Interviewer:** what implications do you foresee if this law is enacted and upheld?
**Dr. Weiss:** If this law is enforced, it could exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and deepen cycles of violence between Israelis and Palestinians. It may also lead to increased animosity towards the Israeli state among Palestinian communities, undermining any prospects for dialogue or peace. In addition, it could have ripple effects on Israel’s international standing, as such actions may be viewed unfavorably by the global community.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Weiss, for sharing your insights on this important and challenging issue.
**Dr. Weiss:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to continue discussing these developments as they unfold.
