“Send Them to Gaza”? The Knesset Just Made It Law.

Israel’s Knesset has passed a controversial new law allowing the deportation of certain family members of terrorists under defined conditions. Supporters call it a long‑overdue deterrent; critics question its legality, ethics, and practicality, especially since Gaza, the default destination, is now a devastated war zone. This abridged article explains what the law actually says, who opposed it, and why its implementation may be far more complicated than its passage.

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Israel’s new law allows the deportation of certain family members of terrorists for a limited period while retaining their citizenship. The immediate question is obvious: deportation to Gaza? After a year of war, Gaza is largely uninhabitable. The old rhetorical jab — “If you hate Israel so much, go to Gaza” — no longer makes sense when Gaza itself barely exists. The law does allow deportation to other destinations, but it is unclear which countries would accept deportees, especially when many Gazans themselves would gladly leave if given the chance.

Advocacy groups like Betsalmo and the Choose Life Forum celebrated the law as a long‑overdue measure that prioritizes the rights of Israeli victims over the rights of terrorists’ families. They argue that families who knew about planned attacks or publicly praised them should face consequences. Research cited by supporters suggests that negative repercussions for families can deter potential attackers. For bereaved parents like Meirav Hagag, whose daughter was murdered in a 2017 car‑ramming attack, the law is a moral necessity — and she accuses security officials of resisting meaningful deterrence.

The Shin Bet reportedly opposed the broad version of the bill, preferring to limit deportation to parents with dual citizenship. They warned that the law could inflame tensions rather than prevent attacks; this is the same argument raised when the U.S. moved its embassy to Jerusalem.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid instructed his faction to vote against the bill, though he supported a similar measure in 2017. In the final tally, 61 MKs voted in favor and 41 against, with opposition coming from Arab parties, the Democrats, Israel Resilience, and nearly all of Yesh Atid.

What the law actually allows

The law defines “terrorist,” “terrorist organization,” and “act of terror” according to Israel’s 2016 counterterrorism legislation. Family members eligible for deportation include parents, siblings, spouses, and children. Deportation can be ordered if a family member either knew about the planned attack and failed to report it, or publicly praised or encouraged the attack afterward.

Israeli citizens may be deported for 7–15 years; permanent or temporary residents for 10–20 years. Before deportation is finalized, the individual must be summoned to a hearing within 20 days, with a decision issued within 14 days afterward. Deportation may be to Gaza or another location, though the practicality of either option remains uncertain.

A law on the books — but will it ever be used?

The biggest question is not whether the law passed, but whether it will be implemented. Gaza is in ruins. Other countries may refuse entry. The Supreme Court may intervene. And the political climate is volatile. For now, the law exists.

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