Israel has revoked the citizenship of two convicted attackers and ordered their deportation, a move unprecedented since the passage of a controversial law three years ago. The individuals, accused of receiving financial support from the Palestinian Authority (PA), had carried out attacks against Israeli civilians, according to a statement released by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
The Knesset, Israel’s parliament, approved the legislation enabling such deportations in 2023. Its first application has drawn criticism from legal observers who argue it contravenes international law by rendering individuals stateless. Netanyahu stated that “many more” such revocations and deportations would follow. Previous reports indicated that proceedings had been initiated against hundreds of people.
Israeli media reports identify the two individuals as Israeli Arabs who had been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for their involvement in attacks. Both are expected to be deported to the Gaza Strip. one immediately upon release from prison and the other after completing his sentence. The law stipulates deportation to areas under Palestinian control.
The move comes amid a surge in attacks against Israelis, particularly since the start of the conflict in Gaza. However, most attacks have been carried out by Palestinians from the West Bank, who are not Israeli citizens. Simultaneously, there has been an increase in violence by extremist Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank.
The Palestinian Authority, which has repeatedly called for a two-state solution, has been under increasing pressure from Israel and its allies. In September 2025, the US government reportedly blocked visa applications for PA representatives, seeking to halt their efforts to gain recognition of a Palestinian state. France and the United Kingdom were among nations signaling their intent to recognize Palestine, with French President Emmanuel Macron describing the move as a “last-minute emergency” to prevent the complete collapse of the two-state solution.
According to the German broadcaster ZDF, the current situation follows a period of relative calm after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas on October 10th. However, that ceasefire is described as fragile. The PA is considered by international actors as the most pragmatic partner for negotiations, unlike Hamas, which rejects Israel’s right to exist. The PA represents approximately five million Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
In November 2025, the UN Security Council passed a resolution supporting a Gaza peace plan proposed by US President Trump. Although Israel welcomed the resolution, citing its call for the disarmament of Hamas, the Hamas organization and Islamic Jihad rejected it, stating it did not meet Palestinian political and humanitarian demands. The PA has called for the immediate implementation of the UN resolution.
