Israel to prevent pro-Palestinian activists from entering country
‘Flytilla’ provocateurs will be detained and deported, says public security minister
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel vowed Tuesday to prevent the entry of hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists from Europe and North America expected to arrive in the country this weekend, calling them provocateurs who are intent on disturbing public order.
The activists are set to board flights to Israel with the aim of participating in demonstrations against Israeli policy in the West Bank. Although organizers say all protests will be peaceful, Israeli officials said the activists would be deported.
“The provocateurs will be dealt with in a determined and quick way,” said Israel’s public security minister, Yitzhak Aharonovitch. “If they arrive to Israel they will be identified, removed from the plane, their entry into Israel will be prevented and they will be moved to a detention facility until they are flown out of Israel.”
Last July, Israel blocked a similar effort by preventing scores of activists from boarding Tel Aviv-bound flights in Europe, questioning dozens more upon arrival at the airport and denying entry to 69.
Israel had tracked the activists on social media sites, compiled a blacklist of more than 300 names and asked airlines to keep those on the list off flights to Israel. Officials say Israel will use similar tactics this time as well.
“They have the right to enter Palestine. It’s not up to Israel to forbid anybody from coming into Palestine,” said Abdelfattah Abusrour, a local organizer.
Israel has been wary of large influxes of foreign activists since a naval raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla in May 2010 turned deadly. The Israeli navy and the activists have each accused each other of sparking the bloodshed in which nine Turkish activists were killed.
Organizers say this week’s mission, sponsored by an umbrella group called “Welcome to Palestine,” seeks to draw attention toward Israeli travel restriction on Palestinians.
Visitors can reach the West Bank only through Israeli-controlled crossings, either through international airports or the land border with Jordan.
Israel has tight restrictions on Palestinians living in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. Few are allowed to enter Israel.
