Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a court to revoke the Israeli citizenship of two Palestinian men convicted of terrorism-related offenses. This legal move represents the first application of a controversial law enacted three years ago, which allows for the deportation of Palestinian citizens convicted of certain violent crimes and who have received financial support from the Palestinian Authority as a reward for their actions.
Netanyahu filed the court documents on July 4, 2024, asserting that the nature of the crimes committed by the two men, alongside the payments they reportedly received from a Palestinian Authority fund, justifies their expulsion from Israel. The Prime Minister has long maintained that this fund rewards violent actions, including attacks against civilians.
Details of the Convictions
The individuals in question are Mohamad Ahmad, a resident of Jerusalem, and Mohammed Ahmad Hussein al-Halsi. Ahmad was convicted of terrorism offenses related to a shooting attack and had been imprisoned for 23 years before his release earlier this month. His alleged receipt of payments from the Palestinian Authority following his conviction in 2002 is a key element of the case against him. Al-Halsi, on the other hand, was sentenced to 18 years for stabbing elderly women in 2016 and is also accused of receiving funds during his incarceration.
Under the law passed in 2023, individuals convicted of “committing an act that constitutes a breach of loyalty to the State of Israel,” including acts of terrorism, can be subject to deportation to Gaza upon completion of their sentences. Ahmad faces immediate deportation, while al-Halsi will be removed upon his release.
Reactions and Criticism
The move has sparked significant controversy. Palestinian officials argue that the payments from the Palestinian Authority serve as a safety net for families affected by Israeli detention, rather than rewards for violence. Critics of the law have expressed concerns that it enables Israel’s legal system to treat Jewish and Palestinian citizens differently, effectively targeting a specific demographic.
Organizations such as the Adalah Legal Center have condemned Netanyahu’s actions. Its general director, Hassan Jabareen, characterized the use of this law as a “cynical propaganda move” that undermines fundamental principles of law. Jabareen emphasized that stripping individuals of their nationality undermines the very foundation of rights protection.
As the case unfolds, Netanyahu indicated that similar actions would be taken against other individuals in the future, highlighting a potential shift in Israel’s legal landscape regarding citizenship and national security issues. The international community continues to monitor these developments closely, particularly given the longstanding tension between Israeli and Palestinian relations.