- Israel passes law to deport relatives of convicted attackers
- The law applies to immediate relatives, such as parents, siblings, or children
- It targets relatives who either had prior knowledge of an attack and failed to report it or showed support for the act
Israel passes law to deport relatives of convicted attackers
The Israeli parliament has passed a law allowing the government to deport family members of individuals convicted of terrorism, including Israeli citizens. The legislation, introduced by a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party, applies to immediate relatives, such as parents, siblings, or children, of those found guilty of committing or supporting acts of terrorism.
The law targets relatives who either had prior knowledge of an attack and failed to report it or showed support for the act. Expressions of sympathy for a terrorist act or organisation could result in deportation, ordered by the interior minister. Critics, including Israeli human rights groups, argue the law is unconstitutional and unfairly targets Palestinian citizens of Israel, who make up about 20% of the population.
Deported individuals may be sent to Gaza or other designated locations. While deported citizens retain their citizenship, they are barred from returning to Israel for seven to 15 years. The law also imposes stricter penalties on permanent residents, including deportation for up to 20 years. Additionally, a temporary provision allows prison sentences for children under 14 convicted of terrorism-related murders.