What it’s about

The Knesset committee has pushed forward a legislative proposal that seeks to empower the Interior Minister to expel family members of terrorists. This expulsion would apply if the family member was found to have prior knowledge of, supported, or praised acts of terrorism. The expulsion could last from 7 to 15 years for Israeli citizens and 10 to 20 years for non-citizen residents. The idea is to deter future terrorist activities through legal deterrents affecting close association with perpetrators.

Why it matters

This bill is a bold step toward enhancing Israel’s security measures. While there are concerns regarding its alignment with constitutional principles, the legislation illustrates a proactive approach to nurturing a safer environment. Proponents argue that the possibility of indirect consequences for terrorist actions underscores the seriousness with which the Israeli government regards acts of terrorism and their facilitators.

The Bigger Picture

This legislation was an amalgamation of proposals from members of the Likud, Yisrael Beytenu, and Otzma Yehudit parties. The bill emphasizes deterrence by targeting the social support structures of individuals involved in terrorism, aiming to create a wider societal stand against acts of terror. Such legislative measures are reflective of strong government resolve to confront and dismantle potential networks that enable terrorism.

What They’re Saying

Despite its potential for further tightening the Israeli security framework, the bill faces opposition from legal experts and internal security officials like Shin Bet and IDF. They expressed concerns that the bill may lead to unrest rather than decreasing terrorist acts. Nevertheless, the bill remains strongly supported by several political leaders who believe it is a necessary measure against terror threats.

This story was first published on jpost.com.