Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced his intention to deport Eritrean migrants who were involved in a violent clash in Tel Aviv and has ordered a plan to remove all African migrants from the country. This statement follows a day of bloody protests in south Tel Aviv, where rival groups of Eritreans clashed, resulting in dozens of injuries. The confrontations involved supporters and opponents of the Eritrean government, who used construction lumber, pieces of metal, and rocks to smash shop windows and police cars. Israeli police in riot gear responded with tear gas, stun grenades, and live rounds, while mounted officers attempted to control the protesters.
The resurgence of the migrant issue, which has long divided Israel, coincides with ongoing debates over Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul plan. Supporters of the plan cite the migrant issue as a reason to rein in the courts, claiming that they have hindered efforts to expel migrants.
During a special ministerial meeting convened to address the aftermath of the violence, Netanyahu called for “harsh measures against the rioters, including the immediate deportation of those who took part.” He also requested that ministers provide plans for the removal of all other illegal infiltrators. Netanyahu noted that the Supreme Court had previously struck down some measures aimed at coercing migrants to leave.
Under international law, Israel cannot forcibly return migrants to a country where their life or liberty may be at risk. However, Netanyahu expressed confidence that deporting supporters of the Eritrean government would not pose a problem.
Approximately 25,000 African migrants reside in Israel, mainly from Sudan and Eritrea, where they claim to have fled conflict or repression. Israel generally regards them as economic migrants rather than asylum seekers and asserts that it has no legal obligation to provide them refuge.
Israel has employed various tactics to encourage migrants to leave, including sending some to remote prisons, withholding part of their wages until they agree to depart, or offering cash incentives for relocation to other African countries. Critics argue that these measures are designed to coerce migrants into leaving.
Supporters of the migrants argue that Israel, a nation founded by Jewish refugees in the aftermath of the Holocaust, should welcome those seeking asylum. Opponents contend that migrants have brought crime to low-income neighborhoods in southern Tel Aviv, where many of them have settled.
The clashes in Tel Aviv occurred as Eritrean government supporters gathered to mark the 30th anniversary of President Isaias Afwerki’s rise to power. Eritrea is known for its poor human rights record, and migrants in Israel and other countries fear persecution or death if they return.
Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul plan has drawn criticism from those who view it as a power grab intended to weaken the courts and restrict judicial oversight of government decisions and legislation. Supporters argue that the plan aims to restore power to elected legislators and rein in what they see as an interventionist and liberal-leaning justice system.
Similar protests involving rival Eritrean groups have arisen in other countries, such as Norway and Sweden. These events underscore the global impact of political divisions within the Eritrean diaspora and the challenges faced by Eritreans living abroad.