In the aftermath of recent violent clashes in Tel Aviv, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for the immediate deportation of Eritrean migrants involved in the confrontations. Netanyahu referred to these individuals as “illegal infiltrators” during a meeting convened to address the issue.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in an address said
“What happened yesterday crossed a red line. It’s a riot, it’s bloodshed, these are riots we cannot accept. Therefore, the first thing I do is to wish recovery to the police officers who were injured during the attempts to restore order. We ask for strong measures against the rioters, including the immediate deportation of those who took part in it,”
The clashes in Tel Aviv unfolded as a result of a confrontation between Eritrean government supporters and opponents, leaving numerous casualties, including both police officers and protesters hit by police fire.
Eritreans constitute the largest group of African asylum seekers in Israel; however, the Israeli government’s recognition of their asylum claims is limited, with most being classified as economic migrants.
“I have a hard time understanding why we would have a problem with those who declare themselves to be supporters of the (Eritrean) regime, so they certainly cannot make a claim to be refugees.
I also request that this forum will prepare a complete and updated plan for the removal of all other illegal infiltrators from the state of Israel, and this is the purpose of this gathering today,” added Prime Minister Netanyahu.
The presence of Eritrean migrants has been a deeply divisive issue within Israeli society, with proponents advocating for asylum status and critics expressing concerns about rising crime rates in low-income neighborhoods where many of these migrants reside.
Netanyahu’s recent call for immediate deportation underscores the ongoing debate surrounding the treatment of Eritrean migrants in Israel.
By xamse
September 4, 2023
