The recent High Court decision prohibiting Israel from incarcerating illegal migrants for over 60 days has many people angry, including Interior Minister Aryeh Deri, who wishes to do that. It is also another case in which the High Court undermines legislation passed in Knesset, as the war between the legislative and judicial branches in Israel continues. The court also ruled the government may not hold illegals in detention for more than sixty days. Today, these illegal migrants are housed in Sharonim Prison until they decide that leaving the country may be their best option. Now, this option is not legal, imprisoning them.

Interior Minister Aryeh Deri is not wasting time and at the weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday 12 Elul, he hopes to bring up his bill to circumvent the High Court ruling. His bill will permit deporting illegals against their will. Deri explains the current situation, in which they cannot be deported against their will nor may they be detained for more than 60 days, has resulted in 40,000 immigrants from Eritrea and Sudan. Police are well-aware they have overrun areas of southern Tel Aviv and their presence has provided hotels with inexpensive illegal workers and a major increase in violent crime in the area. Deri said he has visited these areas and for the unfortunate Israelis there, “Life has become a nightmare” Deri testifies.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)