No more tolerance: Interior Minister moves for mass deportation of terrorist families

On Wednesday, Arbel outlined his intention to expel relatives of terrorists who have been found to support and align themselves with such groups, asserting that anyone who advocates for terrorism has no place in the country.

Arbel's remarks come following the identification of three individuals—Tasnim Odeh, Mohammad Abu Halwa, and Zina Barber—whose deportations are being considered. The move is subject to a hearing process.

Regarding Odeh, Arbel provided specific examples of her support for terrorism. In 2022, Odeh was arrested alongside her mother at the Temple Mount, where she was wearing a necklace depicting the terrorist Ibrahim Nabulsi. Furthermore, throughout 2024, Odeh was found distributing terrorist propaganda materials online, further solidifying the case for her deportation.

In Abu Halwa’s case, the Interior Minister pointed out his affiliation with Hamas as the driving factor behind the decision to deport him. Arbel noted that Abu Halwa's brother was involved in a deadly attack in Israel in October 2023, a contributing factor to the minister’s stance on the matter.

"I have decided to exercise my legal authority to deport these three supporters of terrorism," Arbel stated. "Anyone who praises or supports terrorism and stands in support of those who harm Israeli citizens will not be allowed to remain in the country."

The decision has been welcomed by political figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir, leader of the Otzma Yehudit party. He expressed strong support for the deportation, stating that such actions should be automatic and not dependent on external pressure. Ben-Gvir emphasized the need for a firm policy that ensures terrorists and their supporters are expelled from Israel without hesitation.

Arbel's move represents a firm step toward reducing the influence of individuals who have shown allegiance to groups that pose a direct threat to the safety and security of Israel's citizens.