Knesset passes law to deport relatives of terrorists, including Israeli citizens

Lawmakers give final approval to legislation that would allow the government to deport the family members of terrorists who are Israeli citizens, passing the bill in the two final Knesset plenum readings it must clear to become law.

Sixty-one MKs vote in favor of the measure, with 41 opposing it.

The controversial legislation, sponsored by Likud MK Hanoch Milwidsky, gives the interior minister the power to expel a first-degree relative of someone who carried out an attack if he or she had advance knowledge and either: (a) failed to report the matter to the police or (b) “expressed support or identification with an act of terrorism or published words of praise, sympathy or encouragement for an act of terrorism or a terrorist organization.”

The bill expressly applies to Israeli citizens, who would retain their citizenship even after being expelled from the country. It stipulates that after receiving information regarding an individual, the minister will convene a hearing during which a suspect will have the right to present a defense. The minister will then have 14 days to make a decision and sign a deportation order.

Both the Justice Ministry and the Attorney General’s Office have raised concerns about the legislation, which stipulates that those being expelled would be sent either to the Gaza Strip or other destinations, depending on circumstances, for between 7-15 years for citizens and 10-20 years for legal residents.