Israeli Prime Minister Calls for Immediate Deportation of Eritrean Migrants Involved in Violent Clash in Tel Aviv

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) ÔÇö In the aftermath of a violent clash between rival groups of Eritrean migrants in south Tel Aviv, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for the immediate deportation of those involved and ordered a plan to remove all African migrants residing in the country. The recent protests saw Eritrean supporters and opponents of the Eritrean government engaging in a bloody face-off, using construction lumber, metal pieces, and rocks to destroy property, including shop windows and police cars. Israeli police in riot gear responded with tear gas, stun grenades, and live rounds, while mounted officers attempted to control the situation.

The resurgence of violence related to the migrant issue has brought this contentious topic back into the spotlight, just as Israel grapples with Netanyahu’s proposed judicial overhaul plan. Supporters of the plan argue that the migrant question highlights the need to rein in the courts, which they believe have hindered efforts to expel the migrants.

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During a special ministerial meeting convened to address the aftermath of the violence, Netanyahu emphasized the importance of taking stringent measures against the rioters and deporting those who participated. He tasked the ministers with developing plans for the removal of all other undocumented infiltrators, highlighting that some previous measures in this regard had been rejected by the Supreme Court.

According to international law, Israel cannot forcibly return migrants to a country where their life or liberty may be endangered. However, Netanyahu expressed confidence that deporting supporters of the Eritrean government would not pose a problem.

Currently, around 25,000 African migrants, predominantly from Sudan and Eritrea, reside in Israel, with many claiming to have fled conflict or repression in their home countries. Israel has acknowledged only a few of them as asylum seekers, perceiving the majority as economic migrants and asserting that it has no legal obligation to provide them refuge.

To encourage these migrants to leave, Israel has implemented various strategies, such as relocating some to remote prisons, withholding a portion of their wages until they agree to depart, and offering cash incentives for relocation to other African countries. However, critics accuse the government of employing coercive tactics to compel the migrants to leave willingly.

Advocates for the migrants argue that Israel should extend a welcoming hand to those seeking asylum, given its history as a nation established by Jewish refugees in the aftermath of the Holocaust. Conversely, opponents claim that the presence of the migrants has led to increased crime rates in the low-income southern Tel Aviv neighborhoods where they have settled.

The clashes occurred as Eritrean government supporters commemorated the 30th anniversary of their current ruler’s ascension to power. The event took place near the Eritrean embassy in south Tel Aviv. Eritrea is notorious for having one of the world’s poorest human rights records, prompting migrants both in Israel and elsewhere to fear potential persecution and death if forced to return.

Critics view Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul plan as an attempt to consolidate power and limit judicial oversight on governmental decisions and legislation. Conversely, supporters argue that the plan seeks to restore authority to elected legislators and curb what they perceive as an interventionist and liberal-leaning justice system.

For comprehensive coverage of global migration issues, follow AP’s reporting at https://apnews.com/hub/migration.