Israel passes law barring entry for supporters of boycott of Jewish state

AFP in Jerusalem
Monday 6 March 2017 21.48 GMT

Israel’s parliament has passed into law a bill barring entry into the country to those supporting a boycott of the Jewish state.

“The knesset (parliament) passed on its second and third readings the entry into Israel bill,” it said in a statement on Monday night.

“A visa will not be granted nor a residence permit of any kind to any person who is not an Israeli citizen or permanent resident if he, or the organisation or body in which he is active, has knowingly issued a public call to boycott the state of Israel or pledged to take part in such a boycott,” the statement said.

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Haaretz newspaper said the wording of the new law left open the possibility that it could be used against Palestinians living in Israel as temporary residents while their applications for permanent residence were being considered. Such a process is required by Palestinians seeking right of abode with their Israeli-Arab spouses.

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