Israeli minister announces plans to ‘deport’ Palestinians from occupied East Jerusalem

Israel’s interior minister announced plans yesterday to “deport” three Palestinians from occupied East Jerusalem, including a freed prisoner and a current detainee, claiming that they are relatives of “terrorists”.

“I have decided to exercise my authority under the law and act to deport three terror supporters, who are family members of terrorists and chose to side with the enemy in time of war and support the harm to Israeli citizens,” Moshe Arbel told Israel Hayom. “Anyone who incites, praises and supports terror has no place among us. I will continue to act decisively against anyone who threatens Israeli citizens.”

The newspaper said that one of those affected by the deportation order is Zeina Barbar, a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, who was released in East Jerusalem as part of the current prisoner exchange deal.

According to Yedioth Ahronoth, the decision also included Tasnim Odeh and Mohammad Abu Halwa. It said that the three individuals, in addition to being related to Palestinians involved in attacks against Israeli targets, had previously expressed support for Palestinian organisations.

The move follows the approval of a controversial law in November 2024, that permits the Israeli government to deport family members of Palestinians accused of “terrorism” to the Gaza Strip or other locations, including Arab citizens of Israel.

Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, predictably, praised the decision, calling it a necessary step, although he criticised the delay. “Only after our pressure was the decision made. Deporting terrorists should be an automatic and clear move, not something dependent on applications and pressures.” He added that Israel must adopt a firm and unequivocal policy, ensuring that “any terrorist who raises their hand against the citizens of Israel, their place is outside the state.”

The announcement comes amid an escalation of attacks against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem after a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal for Gaza started on 19 January, following 15 months of Israel’s genocidal war that killed over 48,200 Palestinians and reduced the enclave to rubble.

Since the beginning of Israel’s war on Gaza in October 2023, more than 900 Palestinians have also been killed across the occupied West Bank in attacks by Israeli occupation forces and illegal settlers. All of Israel’s settlers and settlements are illegal under international law.

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