Recently, Israel’s parliament passed a law that gives the right to order deportations of relatives of suspects after being accused of performing a terror-related act. Now this law provides the interior minister with the authority of deportation of close relatives of those who are suspected and believed to know about the fact that an attack was ongoing or planned and could do nothing to prevent it.
Proponents argue that the bill will reduce attacks, especially those conducted by Palestinian citizens of Israel and residents of annexed East Jerusalem, whom Israeli security policies have targeted over the years due to regional tension
Opponents argue it is collective punishment for Palestinian families, a concept deemed controversial and unconstitutional. Human rights groups like Adalah, an organization committed to legally fighting for the rights of Israel’s Arab minority, have strongly condemned this law.They claim that this law sets a mechanism where the government can utilize the ‘fight against terrorism’ to become an excuse for wider suppression of Palestinian rights. According to a statement made by Adalah, it has set its agenda to challenge the law in Israel’s Supreme Court for it improperly punishes innocent family members and infringes on human rights.
For example, deportation terms ranged from 15 years for Israeli citizens to up to 20 years for residents, including some Palestinians from East Jerusalem. This has heightened tensions inside Israel, in particular within its Palestinian minority, who feel this law is part of the blanket assault on their rights and freedoms under the guise of security needs
Ireland also determined it would stand with South Africa’s position against Israel before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The case claims that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza under the United Nations Genocide Convention, something Israel denies.Ireland is part of a list of countries which includes Spain and Bolivia in supporting the South African lawsuit. According to Ireland’s Foreign Minister Micheál Martin: “Ireland is committed to international law and justice-it only stands to reason that accountability must be brought to bear in regions of conflict”
This domestic legislation combined with international legal challenges represents an intensified focus placed on Israeli policy. The deportation law and the case of the ICJ mirror increasing concerns with regard to human rights and the treatment of Palestinians with regards to the security measures Israel undertakes.
The situation continues to attract attention from international organizations as well as human rights advocates, potentially marking a turning point in the discussion over the actions Israel has been undertaking in the region.