Israel approves bill to deport families of Palestinian martyrs

The Israeli Knesset yesterday approved a bill to deport the families of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces and accused of carrying out attacks against Israelis, Felesteen newspaper reported.

The bill was initiated by Israeli Minister of Transport and Exploration Israel Katz and submitted to the Knesset by Deputy David Bitanem. It was supported by representatives from Likud, the Jewish Home and other parties, including Yish Atid.

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Israel’s legal advisor has previously rejected the bill, saying: “The deportation of families of attackers to Gaza or Syria might touch Israel’s position and lead to its global isolation.”

Katz also proposed another bill calling for the relocation of the families in the West Bank and putting more restrictions on their movement.

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Speaking to the Israeli TV Channel 7, Katz said: “The bill got large support from the [ruling] coalition and from the opposition. We will put the bill for final approval next week. Terrorism will decrease as fast as we can approve this bill.”

He added: “This bill is not an alternative to the army, Shabak, police and security activities. It is a complementary measure to control the minors.”