Netanyahu's decision to expel African migrants from Israel after Eritrean factions engage in violent clashes

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【Summary】Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to deport all African migrants from Israel following a violent clash involving Eritreans in Tel Aviv. Netanyahu wants the migrants involved in the demonstration to be deported immediately. The clash between Eritrean groups resulted in injuries and property damage. The issue of migrants has long been a divisive one in Israel, and this incident has brought it back to the forefront.

FutureCar Staff Sep 03, 2023 10:07 AM PT

Netanyahu's decision to expel African migrants from Israel after Eritrean factions engage in violent clashes

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for plans to be made to remove all African migrants from Israel following a violent clash involving groups of Eritreans in Tel Aviv. Netanyahu specifically wants the migrants involved in the demonstration to be deported immediately. The clash occurred when rival groups of Eritreans, supporters and opponents of Eritrea's government, engaged in bloody protests, causing injuries to numerous individuals. The protesters used construction lumber, pieces of metal, and rocks to smash shop windows and police cars. Israeli police in riot gear responded by using tear gas, stun grenades, and live rounds, while officers on horseback attempted to control the situation.

The violence erupted near the Eritrean embassy when protesters were prevented from reaching the building before a scheduled cultural event. The incident has once again brought the issue of migrants to the forefront, which has long been a divisive topic in Israel. Concurrently, the country is grappling with the controversy surrounding Prime Minister Netanyahu's plans to overhaul the judicial system, which some perceive as a power grab by the prime minister.

"We want harsh measures against the rioters, including the immediate deportation of those who took part," stated Mr. Netanyahu. He also requested that ministers present him with plans for the removal of all other illegal infiltrators. However, he acknowledged that the Supreme Court had previously struck down some measures intended to coerce migrants to leave. It is important to note that under international law, Israel cannot forcibly return individuals to a country where their life or liberty may be at risk.

Approximately 25,000 African migrants, primarily from Sudan and Eritrea, reside in Israel, claiming to have fled conflict or repression. Israel recognizes very few as asylum seekers, considering them primarily as economic migrants, and asserts that it has no legal obligation to provide them with protection or support.