Israel: Netanyahu Calls for Deportation of African Migrants

Facts

• Following protests and clashes between differing Eritrean groups and Israeli police in Tel Aviv, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday called for the removal of all African migrants from the country.¹
• Speaking at a special ministerial meeting following the violence in the capital that began Saturday, Netanyahu called for "harsh measures," including the "immediate deportation of those who took part."²
• Clashes began following a march by Eritreans toward their country's embassy in Tel Aviv. Protesters and counter-protesters clashed over the 30th anniversary of Eritrea's current government's establishment, as well as Eritrea's Revolution Day, which commemorates the War of Independence against Ethiopia that began in 1961.³
• Over 170 were wounded as a result of conflict with police, as well as in-fighting between Eritreans. Tear gas, stun grenades, and live rounds were used by officers in Tel Aviv who also suffered injuries.⁴
• Israel is believed to be home to at least 25K African migrants, primarily from Eritrea and Sudan. Netanyahu further stated that Israel was seeking to deport 1K Eritreans immediately following the violence and that an "updated plan" for the remaining "illegal infiltrators" would be prepared.⁵
• Israel has used administrative detention against those accused of involvement in the violence. Approximately 40 individuals had been arrested as of Monday, according to the Times of Israel.⁶

Sources: ¹Sky News, ²PBS NewsHour, ³Reuters, ⁴BBC News, ⁵Al Jazeera, and ⁶Middle East Monitor.

Narratives

• Right narrative, as provided by Israel Hayom. Israel must respond with strength against the foreign gangs causing violence and chaos in the streets of Israeli cities. While the judicial system has previously dismissed attempts to clamp down on infiltrators, the same mistake cannot occur again. Unless stern action is taken, Jewish culture will slowly become a minority because of those who take advantage of Israel's goodwill.
• Left narrative, as provided by Haaretz. Netanyahu's government is using the weekend's unfortunate clashes to target the country's judicial system and engage in xenophobia and racism. To remove migrants in such a fashion is a clear violation of both civil and human rights, and the current detention of many individuals without trial highlights the state's growing authoritarian regime.

Predictions