Israel’s Latest law is in the limelight for its anti-Arab agenda. Israel has enacted a law that will deprive Arab terrorists and others who get financial support from the Palestinian Authority of their citizenship (PA)
BY- DIVYA RUPAREL
Racism, a reality for Arabs living in Israel
The Israeli Commission passed the law on Wednesday with an overwhelming majority (94 votes to 10) despite the vocal opposition of Arab lawmakers (February 15). Lawmakers from the opposition were among those who supported the hard-right legislation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The law is anticipated to affect hundreds of Palestinians and Israelis residing in the West Bank. According to reports, the subject was also discussed in the parliament on Wednesday. The change comes after a protracted period of unrest in the West Bank caused by raids against extremists and assaults on Israelis. There are widespread worries that the bill could trigger further escalation of the situation.
In some areas of the West Bank, where Israel exercises total control, the Palestinian Authority has a limited degree of autonomy. The militant organization Hamas is in charge of the Gaza Strip, which is largely blocked off due to an Israeli-Egyptian siege.
Racism is Israel’s new citizenship :
An explanation of the bill states, “It is unimaginable that Israeli citizens and residents who have not only betrayed the state and Israeli society, but who have also consented to receive payment from the PA as wages for committing the act of terrorism and continue to benefit from it, will hold Israeli citizenship or residency status.”
Arab legislators opposed the bill, whereas Jewish legislators from all major parties, including the opposition, supported it.
The law is “very dangerous decision that aims to transfer Palestinians from their cities and villages under the pretext of receiving social assistance from the PA,” according to Kadoura Fares, the head of the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club, a West Bank organisation that advocates for prisoners and their families.
According to the Israeli rights organisation HaMoked, the law may have an impact on 211 Jerusalem residents and 140 Arab Israelis.
Since they have fewer legal safeguards to resist the edict, the citizens of Jerusalem are thought to be particularly defenceless. Additionally, according to the group, relocating the inhabitants would be against international humanitarian law since east Jerusalem is regarded as occupied territory.
In a separate incident, Israel recently deported a Palestinian man from east Jerusalem to France on the grounds that he belonged to a terrorist organisation that was outlawed.
The executive director of HaMoked, Jessica Montell, called the passage of this measure “shameful,” noting that it had the support of the opposition in large numbers as well.
Read More Such Articles
Israel airstrikes Gaza hours after militant rocket fire
Security Council’s Statement on Israel and Palestine