The Threat of Deportation from the West Bank

Last week, Haaretz correspondent, Amira Hass, reported on two new IDF orders that amend the legal definition of the terms “infiltrator” and “infiltration” with regard to the occupied West Bank (not including East Jerusalem).

The apparent upshot of IDF orders #1649 and #1650 is that thousands of Palestinians will now be exposed to the threat of lengthy imprisonment or deportation without judicial oversight.

Ten Israeli human rights organizations, led by HaMoked: Center for the Defense of the Individual, appealed to Israel’s Defense Minister, Ehud Barak, asking that he put the orders on hold, pending a comprehensive review. The appeal was denied and the orders went into force on April 13.

Gisha: Legal Center for Freedom of Movement, another of the ten organizations, has provided a useful Question and Answer guide to help explain the practical legal implications of the new orders.

HaMoked (Hebrew only) claims that the new orders were already used this week to deport to Gaza a West Bank resident of 15 years.