Israel’s High Court of Justice ordered the release of over one thousand illegal aliens from African nations current held in detention centers in southern Israel. While the court ordered their release, they will be prohibited from returning to Tel Aviv and Eilat, where their presence led to an unprecedented increase in violent crimes including assaults.

In its ruling, the High Court ruled detainees in the Holot detention center for more than a week must be released by the state. This applies to an estimated 1,200 illegals who were rounded up in Tel Aviv and Eilat. Many were employed in hotels in Eilat, working for below minimum wages. Their presence in southern Tel Aviv resulted in a wave of crime, with residents of the area fearing for their lives as the streets became unsafe for any Israeli.

While the Knesset continues to pass legislation to permit dealing with the illegals, the High Court continues to override the legislative branch with its liberal rulings. It is now expected the Knesset will amend the law to circumvent the latest High Court ruling.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)