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

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed on Sunday his intention to promptly deport Eritrean migrants who were participants in a violent confrontation in Tel Aviv. Additionally, he has instructed for the formulation of a strategy aimed at expelling all African migrants residing in Israel.

This statement was issued in the wake of violent altercations involving opposing factions of Eritreans in the southern part of Tel Aviv, resulting in multiple injuries. The protestors, both for and against the Eritrean government, clashed using building materials, metallic objects, and stones, causing damage to retail establishments and police vehicles. Israeli law enforcement, equipped with riot gear, responded with tear gas, stun grenades, and live ammunition, while mounted police sought to manage the crowd.

This episode of violence has reignited the enduring debate in Israel concerning migrants, an issue that has historically been a point of division. It comes at a time when the country is deeply split over Netanyahu’s plans to reform the judicial system. Proponents of the reform argue that the migrant situation serves as an illustration of why the judiciary needs to be restrained, contending that the courts have been an obstacle to deporting the migrants.

“In dealing with the aftermath of these violent incidents, severe action must be taken against the perpetrators, including their immediate expulsion,” said Netanyahu during a special cabinet meeting convened for this purpose. He asked ministers to propose strategies for the “expulsion of all other unauthorized entrants.” He also pointed out that some previous initiatives intended to induce migrants to leave were annulled by the Supreme Court.

Approximately 25,000 African migrants reside in Israel, predominantly from Sudan and Eritrea. These individuals assert that they have fled from conflict or oppressive regimes. However, Israel categorizes the vast majority as economic migrants and argues it is under no legal obligation to grant them asylum.

Various approaches have been employed by Israel to encourage these migrants to leave, ranging from detaining some in isolated facilities to withholding a portion of their income until they consent to leave, or offering monetary incentives to those willing to relocate to another African nation.

Opponents criticize the Israeli government for essentially pressuring the migrants to exit the country. According to international law, Israel is prohibited from forcibly repatriating migrants to countries where they may face threats to their life or freedom.

On Sunday, Netanyahu indicated that he did not anticipate legal obstacles in deporting those who are supportive of the Eritrean government.

Those advocating for the migrants contend that Israel, established in the aftermath of the Holocaust and populated by Jewish refugees, should extend asylum to those in need. Detractors argue that the migrant population has contributed to an uptick in crime, particularly in the economically disadvantaged neighborhoods of southern Tel Aviv where many have settled.

The recent conflict occurred as supporters of the Eritrean government commemorated the 30th anniversary of the incumbent leader’s ascendancy to power, an event that took place near the Eritrean embassy in southern Tel Aviv. Eritrea is notorious for its abysmal human rights record, and migrants both within Israel and globally express concerns of facing lethal consequences if repatriated.

Critics view Netanyahu’s judicial reform efforts as an attempt to dilute the power of the courts and reduce judicial scrutiny over governmental actions and laws. Conversely, supporters believe the reforms are designed to reallocate authority to elected officials and curtail what they consider to be an overly activist and liberal judiciary.

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

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• Global Migration Coverage by AP
• Israeli Immigration Policy
• International Law on Forced Deportation
• Eritrea’s Human Rights Record
• Judicial Reforms in Israel
• Israel’s Asylum Policy
• Debate on Migrant Issue in Israel
• Eritrean Government and Politics