Two Israeli Ministers have called for the families of Palestinians behind attacks on Israeli citizens to be deported to deter future violence.
In a post on X, Energy Minister Eli Cohen said that Israel “must respond to terrorism with an iron fist” and “act to swiftly implement the law to deport the families of terrorists.”
Such a move, he said, would “deter future murderers and eliminate the breeding grounds from which they emerge.”
Education Minister, Yoav Kisch expressed similar views in a post on X.
“We must shift from defence to deterrence, eliminate the terrorists, and immediately expel their families. This is not revenge – this is the only way to save lives.”
Yoav Kisch
Last year, the Israeli parliament passed a law allowing the government to deport the parents, siblings or children of people convicted of “terrorism” offences, including Israeli citizens, despite objections by human rights organisations.
Their remarks were made in response to the attack at Ramot junction that killed 6 and injured many.
Police stated the gunmen had arrived by car and launched fire at commuters waiting at the stop, situated in an area captured by Israel during the 1967 war and later annexed — a move not recognised by the United Nations or most countries. Authorities also detained a suspect from East Jerusalem over alleged involvement.
The Israeli military said that soldiers were deployed to assist police in the manhunt and were also operating in parts of Ramallah to conduct interrogations and “thwart terrorism.”
Also, Israeli Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir called on Israelis to arm themselves after the shooting attack in Jerusalem that has killed at least six people.
In a post on X featuring a video of Ben-Gvir speaking alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu near the scene of the Jerusalem attack, Ben-Gvir praised efforts made by three ultra-Orthodox men at the scene – a soldier and two civilians – for stopping the attack.
“This was an act of heroism by a soldier from the ultra-Orthodox Hashmonaim Brigade and two ultra-Orthodox men who received weapons as part of the weapons reform.
“I said that weapons save lives. We must remember that. I call on the citizens of Israel – go and arm yourselves.”
Itamar Ben-Gvir
This was in reference to his policy that has loosened gun ownership laws and fast-tracked permits for Israelis.
Attack Decried
In reaction to the shooting in Jerusalem, the Palestinian Authority “reiterated its firm position of rejecting and condemning any targeting of Palestinian and Israeli civilians.”
Its presidential office said in a statement that the PA denounces “all forms of violence and terrorism regardless of their source.”
“The presidency stressed that security and stability in the region will not be achieved without ending the occupation, halting the acts of genocide in the Gaza Strip, and halting settler terrorism in the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem.”
PA presidency office
The United Arab Emirates also strongly condemned the “terrorist shooting in incident” and expressed its “permanent rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at undermining security and stability.”
Also, the European Union condemned the deadly shooting by suspected Palestinian gunmen at a bus stop in occupied East Jerusalem and said that it underscores the urgent need for a ceasefire as Israel wages war in Gaza.
EU Spokesman, Anouar El Anouni said, “We condemn this attack as we condemn all loss of lives.” He added a call for de-escalation, saying, “This shows how necessary and critical a ceasefire is.”
“Civilians on both sides, both Palestinians and Israelis, have suffered for far too long and far too much. And this must end now, and it is high time to break this cycle of violence.”
Anouar El Anouni
Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi also condemned the attack and wrote, “Strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack on innocent civilians in Jerusalem today.”
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to those injured. India condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stands firm in its policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism.”
Narendra Modi
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