In a significant development regarding national security, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signed orders for the revocation of citizenship and subsequent deportation of two Israeli individuals convicted of terrorist activities. These measures respond to previous calls for stricter handling of terrorism and highlight Israel’s ongoing efforts to address security concerns.
On Monday morning, Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the two individuals, reported to be headed for the Gaza Strip, were convicted of conducting stabbing and shooting attacks against Israeli civilians. This marks the inaugural enforcement of a February 2023 law aimed at enabling the revocation of citizenship from convicted terrorists and their deportation. Defense Minister Israel Katz, alongside Coalition Whip Ofir Katz, had previously announced that the law would target individuals receiving financial support from the Palestinian Authority. Proceedings have already been initiated against numerous citizens under this legislation.
In a statement, Netanyahu emphasized that the two terrorists “were rewarded for their criminal acts by the Palestinian Authority,” expressing gratitude to MK Katz for leading the initiative. He conveyed that this action “will expel them from Israel,” indicating future deportations may follow.
The two individuals involved are Mahmoud Ahmad, who received a 23-year sentence for shooting attacks against both soldiers and civilians, and Mohammed Ahmad Hussein al-Halsi, sentenced to 18 years in 2016 for stabbing elderly women in Armon HaNatziv, as reported by MK Katz through Ynet news. Ahmad is scheduled for immediate deportation upon his release in 2024, while al-Halsi will be deported upon completion of his sentence.
According to the Walla news site, both individuals will be sent to the Gaza Strip, though the Prime Minister’s Office has not yet confirmed this destination.
“After many discussions surrounding the supervision and review process for implementing the law, it is finally taking effect,” Katz stated in a video message. “This is how we combat terror.”
In reaction to the announcement, Adalah, an organization providing legal aid to Arab Israelis, criticized the decision. They stated, “These deportation orders subject Palestinian citizens of Israel to physical exile from their homeland. The government is turning the fundamental right of citizenship into a conditional privilege that can be revoked arbitrarily. This unprecedented action violates the international prohibition against statelessness and undermines the essential protections of citizenship.”
The legislation is an amendment to Israel’s 1952 Citizenship Law and affects both Israeli citizens and permanent residents who have been convicted for terrorism, aiding terrorism, or similar offenses that threaten Israeli sovereignty. It allows the interior minister to revoke their citizenship after a hearing.
Moreover, citizenship can be revoked even if an individual lacks a second citizenship, as long as they possess permanent residency status elsewhere. Once citizenship is annulled, reentry to Israel becomes impossible.
This new law specifically targets those receiving payments linked to the Palestinian Authority, which excludes Jewish terrorists, a detail criticized by Arab lawmakers as discriminatory. Concerns were raised by a Justice Ministry adviser regarding potential repercussions of stripping citizenship based on permanent residency connections with the Palestinian Authority.
Revoking citizenship or residency requires a request from the interior minister, who must consult with an advisory committee and seek approval from the justice minister before proceeding to court.
Key Takeaways
- Netanyahu signed orders revoking citizenship of two convicted terrorists.
- The deportees are reportedly headed to the Gaza Strip.
- This action is the first implementation of a new law targeting terrorists receiving PA payments.
- Mahmoud Ahmad and Mohammed Ahmad Hussein al-Halsi are the individuals affected.
- Adalah has condemned the deportation orders as a violation of citizenship rights.
- The law allows for citizenship revocation after a hearing process.
FAQ
What was the purpose of the new law?
The law was designed to allow the revocation of citizenship from convicted terrorists and to facilitate their deportation from Israel.
Who are the individuals affected by the citizenship revocation?
The individuals are Mahmoud Ahmad and Mohammed Ahmad Hussein al-Halsi, both convicted of terrorist activities against Israeli citizens.
What has been the reaction to the deportation orders?
Adalah, a legal aid organization, has criticized the action as a violation of basic rights for Palestinian citizens.
Can citizenship be revoked without a second citizenship?
Yes, the law allows revocation even if the individual does not hold a second citizenship, provided they have permanent residency elsewhere.
In summary, the decision to revoke citizenship and deport convicted terrorists marks a notable step for Israel in addressing security and legal frameworks. The law reflects ongoing debates surrounding citizenship rights and national security.
