In the political system, there was an evening blessing for the passage of the law that restricts the activities of the UNRWA agency in Israel, which was approved by a historic majority of 92 Knesset members from both the coalition and the opposition.
The initiator of the law, MK Yulia Malinovsky, published a statement and wrote: "My law to stop UNRWA's activities and sever all ties with them passed the second and third readings with overwhelming consensus in the Knesset plenum."
According to her, "Finally, the Iron Curtain has fallen on this terrorist organization that I have been fighting against for almost a year against the Israeli government and international pressures." They told me along the way that there was no chance the law would pass when the Prime Minister was afraid to touch UNRWA, but with the courage of the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Yuli Edelstein, and my friends Dan Illouz and Ron Katz, who merged their bills with mine, we succeeded.
She further added, "UNRWA will not operate within the State of Israel, their benefits will be cancelled, their entry into the country will be prohibited, complete severance of contact!" In memory of the late Anar Shapira, the late Yonatan Samrano, the late Hersh Goldberg Poland, the kidnapped Or Levi, Elia Cohen, Alon Ohel, and all the kidnapped and victims harmed by the hands of UNRWA terrorists, this law is dedicated to you.
MK Ilouz, one of the initiators of the law, commented and said, "This is a historic day where the Knesset has put an end to the farce that has lasted for years." UNRWA is not a humanitarian organization, but a partner in terrorist crimes. He added that the heavy international pressure exerted to stop the law is "shameful and intended to protect an organization that endangers the lives of our citizens."
The bill passed despite widespread international opposition, which included demands to cancel the vote. UNRWA, which was established as an aid organization for Palestinian refugees, has in recent years become an organization serving hostile purposes: reports show that its facilities have been used for storing weapons and firing at Israel, and even employees of the organization were involved in the massacre carried out by Hamas on October 7. Instead of promoting real solutions, the organization perpetuates the status of refugees and teaches hatred to the younger generation.
Iluz noted that "Israel showed today that it stands firm against threats and does not allow other countries to dictate how we defend ourselves." The passage of the law is a crucial step in maintaining Israel's security and the values of the free world, and it sends a clear and unequivocal message – there will be no more support for organizations that support terrorism.
Minister Itamar Ben Gvir: "I congratulate and thank the Knesset members from across the political spectrum for passing the laws that tonight put an end to the ongoing disgrace of cooperation with UNRWA."It's time to change the concept in this as well. Whoever harms the security of the State of Israel, the State of Israel will harm them!
The National Camp: "At this hour, the National Camp voted in favor of the law to cease UNRWA's activities." This is an organization that was part of the Hamas apparatus and whose employees took part in the massacre on October 7th.We voted in favor of the law despite MK Tibi deciding to turn it into a no-confidence vote because it is a fundamental issue, and it is regrettable that the Prime Minister was not present for the vote. In the choice between Tibi and Bibi – we will put the good of the state before any consideration and continue our efforts to topple the government.
Israel's ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon: "Hamas took control of UNRWA many years ago." We have warned the Security Council many times, and today we are taking action that will limit UNRWA's capabilities in Israel. We will continue to cooperate with UN organizations and international organizations that want to assist in the humanitarian effort, as we are doing with WHO and UNICEF.
Shai Rosenberg, Chairman of the Im Tirtzu movement, leading the public struggle to close the operations of the terrorist organization UNRWA in Israel, also commented: "A historic moment for the State of Israel, a very important moment for the Knesset." Since the establishment of the State of Israel, UNRWA has acted as a breeding ground for incitement to terrorism instead of taking care of the Arabs in the West Bank and Gaza. Now the Knesset is finally correcting the wrong. Kudos to the Speaker of the Knesset, MK Amir Ohana, and the Coalition Chairman, MK Ofir Katz, for their determination. Kudos to the initiating Knesset members Bismuth, Ilouz, and Malinovsky. Kudos to the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Yuli Edelstein, for the diligent work in the committee. After a year-long struggle, justice has finally been served, the people of Israel live on!