Netanyahu Calls for Immediate Deportation of Eritrean Migrants Involved in Tel Aviv Violence

44

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday his intention to immediately deport Eritrean migrants who were part of violent confrontations in Tel Aviv. Additionally, he directed officials to formulate a strategy for the removal of all African migrants residing in the country.

The statement followed a violent skirmish on Saturday in south Tel Aviv, involving factions within the Eritrean community that left multiple people injured. Participants supporting and opposing the Eritrean government engaged in the clashes, utilizing construction materials, metal fragments, and stones as weapons. The disorder led to significant property damage, including shattered storefront windows and vandalized police vehicles. Israeli law enforcement, donning riot gear, deployed tear gas, stun grenades, and live ammunition, while mounted police endeavored to manage the crowd.

This resurgence of violence has refocused attention on the contentious issue of migrants in Israel, a topic that has long polarized the nation. The incident occurs amidst ongoing debate surrounding Netanyahu’s plan to overhaul the judicial system. Proponents argue that the issue of migrants underscores the necessity for curtailing judicial powers, as courts have impeded efforts to deport migrants.

In an emergency ministerial meeting convened to address the repercussions of the violent incidents, Netanyahu asserted, “We seek severe actions against those who engaged in the riots, including the instant deportation of the participants.” He further directed his ministers to present him with strategies “for the expulsion of all other unauthorized entrants,” pointing out that some measures initially intended to persuade migrants to depart had been nullified by the Supreme Court.

It is noteworthy that under international laws, Israel is prohibited from forcibly repatriating migrants to nations where they would face life-threatening conditions or loss of liberty. Nevertheless, Netanyahu expressed the view that deporting those aligned with the Eritrean government should not pose a legal issue.

Approximately 25,000 African migrants reside in Israel, primarily originating from Sudan and Eritrea. These individuals often assert that they are escaping conflict or political repression. However, Israel acknowledges very few as asylum seekers, predominantly categorizing them as economic migrants and disclaiming any legal requirement to host them.

Israel has employed multiple methods to encourage migrants to leave, such as detaining some in remote facilities, withholding a portion of their salaries until they agree to depart, or providing financial incentives to those willing to relocate to another African nation. Critics argue that such tactics amount to coercion.

Advocates for the migrants argue that Israel, a nation established in the aftermath of the Holocaust and populated by Jewish refugees, should be more receptive to those seeking asylum. Detractors counter that the migrant influx has led to increased crime in economically disadvantaged regions of southern Tel Aviv, where many have settled.

The violent outbreak coincided with a celebration marking the 30th year of rule by Eritrea’s current leader, held in proximity to the Eritrean embassy in south Tel Aviv. Eritrea is notorious for its abysmal human rights record, prompting fears among migrants that repatriation could lead to life-threatening consequences.

The debate over Netanyahu’s judicial restructuring proposal also continues, with critics labeling it as a tactical move to diminish judicial oversight and influence government decisions. Supporters counter that the plan aims to restore legislative powers to elected officials and curtail what they perceive as an excessively interventionist and liberal legal system.

---

For more coverage on global migration issues, visit AP’s dedicated migration page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Netanyahu Eritrean migrants deportation

More about Netanyahu Eritrean migrants deportation

• International Law on Deportation of Migrants
• Israel’s Judicial System
• Overview of Eritrea’s Human Rights Record
• Israel’s Policies on African Migrants
• Eritrean Community in Israel
• Previous Violent Incidents Involving Migrants in Tel Aviv
• Netanyahu’s Proposed Judicial Overhaul