Israel’s Supreme Court rules that ‘breach of loyalty’ can lead to loss of citizenship

Jerusalem (Israel) – A very important ruling has been given by Israel’s Supreme Court, which says that the state has the right to revoke the citizenship of those who commit a ‘breach of loyalty to the State of Israel’, including espionage or terrorism.

Israel’s Supreme Court ruled that the state has the right to revoke the citizenship of those who commit a “breach of loyalty.” https://t.co/bNwQDQ8GHH

— JTA | Jewish news (@JTAnews) July 21, 2022

This ruling involves the cases of two Palestinian citizens of Israel, who were convicted of deadly attacks in 2012 and 2015. They received separate sentences, but the state also attempted to strip their citizenship under a 2008 Nationality Law.

Avigdor Lieberman, Israel’s Finance Minister and Chief of Yisrael Beitenu party, tweeted, “Finally, justice is served”.

The United Nations Convention on ‘Reduction of State-lessness’, which Israel was party to in 1961 but ultimately did not ratify, declares that adding to global statelessness is a violation of International law. In cases that result in loss of citizenship, Israel’s High Court determined that the Interior Minister would be required to grant individuals permanent residency.

Human Right Organisations allege that this ruling might be applied against non-Jews; Arab organisations too are opposing it. They say that this ruling is discriminatory and may be misused against 20% Palestinians who are residing in Israel.

While many countries have laws that allow revocation of citizenship, ‘leaving someone stateless, without any other citizenship’, the International law does not permit this.

Editorial viewpoint

Separatism, Naxalism, Khalistan and Jihadi terrorism are posing a great danger to the unity and integrity of India. Hence, such a law should be implemented in India as per the need of the times !