In the shadow of the severe terrorist attacks from last weekend, this morning (Monday) the bill of the chairman of the coalition, MK Ofir Katz to deny citizenship and deport terrorists, was approved for first reading.
The bill states that the Minister of the Interior will revoke the citizenship or residency of a terrorist who was convicted of a terrorist offense and received funds from the PA and he will be deported to the territories of the PA as well as the Gaza Strip. According to the bill, the receipt of the funds creates a basis for a connection between the terrorist and the Palestinian Authority, and therefore the State of Israel will deport him to the territories of the Palestinian Authority as well as to the Gaza Strip.
According to data presented by the security establishment during the discussions, about 70% of the terrorists who receive compensation from the PA have residency status. The denial of residency and deportation will be approved by the Minister of the Interior within a time limit of up to 14 days.
Denial of citizenship and deportation will be approved, in addition to the Minister of the Interior, by the Minister of Justice and the court within set times – the Minister of the Interior will be required to approve within 14 days, the Minister of Justice within 7 days and the court within 30 days.
The bill passed with broad agreement and is signed by 106 members of the Knesset from the coalition and opposition parties.
The chairman of the coalition, MK Ofir Katz: At the end of last week, my heart was torn, for me and for all the people of Israel. When you bow your head to terror you get more terror, we will respond with a strong hand. We have a public and moral duty to every bereaved family – to pass this law. It is not possible that while our sisters and brothers are bleeding to death, candy will be handed out across the road. Damned terrorists will not be here, their place is in Gaza.”
The chairman of the state camp faction, MK Ze’ev Elkin: “A special committee has now unanimously approved for the first reading my bill and that of other Knesset members from the coalition and the opposition to deny citizenship or residency to terrorists and deport them from the State of Israel. I hope that this fair bill will be approved in the plenary. More this week and the legislative procedures will end next week.”