**Controversial Israeli Law Permits Deportation of Terrorists' Families**

The Israeli parliament has recently passed a contentious law allowing the government to deport relatives of individuals convicted of terrorism, which applies to first-degree family members including Israeli citizens. This legislation, proposed by a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party, has ignited a storm of criticism, with human rights organizations deeming it unconstitutional.

The law targets parents, siblings, or children of those found guilty of terrorism or supporting terrorism. Critics argue it predominantly targets Palestinian citizens of Israel, sometimes referred to as Israeli Arabs. During parliamentary debates, some opposition members noted that the law is unlikely to affect Jewish Israeli citizens. For instance, Merav Michaeli, an opposition MP, pointed out that the family of Yitzhak Rabin's assassin, a Jewish extremist, would not face deportation. Similarly, Mickey Levy challenged whether the family of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir would be subject to the same penalties.

Under the new legislation, relatives can be deported for failing to report planned terrorist acts or for expressing support for terrorism. The law also allows for the deportation of relatives who publicly show sympathy or encouragement for terrorist activities. These deportations would be ordered by the interior minister.

Concerns have been raised by both the justice ministry and the attorney general's office about the enforceability of the law, which is likely to face legal challenges. Eran Shamir-Borer from the Israel Democracy Institute predicts that the Supreme Court may ultimately strike down the legislation, citing it as a violation of Israel's core values.

While the law stipulates that those deported will be sent to Gaza or another determined location, it clarifies that expelled individuals would retain their Israeli citizenship but would be barred from returning for a period of seven to 15 years. Permanent residents could face deportation terms ranging from 10 to 20 years. The law also includes a temporary order allowing for the imprisonment of children under 14 convicted of terrorism-related murders.

This legislative move has further intensified the ongoing debate over Israel’s counter-terrorism strategies and its implications for the country’s citizens, especially its Palestinian population.