Moshe Kahlon says expulsion will deter terrorists

Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon (Kulanu) reiterates his support for an initiative to expel terrorists’ families from Israel, saying the move will act as a deterrent for terrorists.

“I believe in expulsion,” Kahlon tells reporters in the Knesset during a briefing marking a year since elections. “I was convinced by the security forces that expulsion is a deterrent.”

The finance minister, who would not elaborate on where the deportees would be sent, was referring to a bill submitted last week by Intelligence Minister Yisrael Katz, which would allow the government to expel the families of Palestinian attackers, if they were aware of or supported their activities.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon attend the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem on August 5, 2015. (Marc Israel Sellem/Flash90/Pool)

Kahlon, who sits on the high-level security cabinet, late last week announced he would back the controversial measure to deport the families of Palestinian terrorists.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also in favor of the bill, and has directed Attorney General Amichai Mandelblit to examine its legality. Mandelblit has in the past said the bill could contravene international law.

— Marissa Newman