The  government is taking a stronger stand against terrorism by withholding bodies of assailants and moving to revoke Israeli residency to their supporters.

Family of terrorist murderer Muhammad Nayef G’aavis, seen at the Supreme Court in discussion on the demolition of their home in Jerusalem on November 24, 2014. (Photo: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

The recent escalation of terrorism has left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and many Members of the Knesset pushing for stronger punitive measures against Arab terrorists.

Despite US condemnation, Netanyahu swiftly demanded the demolition of the homes of Ghassan and Uday Abu Jamal, perpetrators of a massacre at a Jerusalem synagogue last week that resulted in the deaths of four worshipers and a Druze officer as well as severe injuries to several others.

Still, beyond this routine response, Israel seems to be crafting a tougher approach to punishment and deterrence.

Withholding Bodies of Terrorists

In an unprecedented move last week, Israeli police told the Jerusalem District Court that they would not commit to returning the bodies of the two terrorists. They have since upheld that decision, despite public demands from the Abu Jamal family.

In the past, Israel has returned of the bodies of terrorists to their communities. The burials often becoming mass celebrations glorifying the murderers as martyrs and heroes, often descending into violent Palestinian protests. 

Revoking Israeli Residency

Increasing pressure on another front, Netanyahu also called for a bill that would ensure terrorists and their supporters lose their residency status.

“It cannot be that those who harm Israel, those who call for the destruction of the State of Israel, will enjoy rights like social security,” he stated.

In 2008, only hours after a bulldozer attack in Jerusalem left four dead, the Knesset (Israeli parliament) overwhelmingly approved two bills revoking citizenship from two Israeli-Arab terrorists. Speaker of the Knesset Yuli Edelstein, then a Member of Knesset (MK), had called for an amendment to the bill that would include the families of terrorists and their supporters.

Reforming Arab Education

Further calls from leading officials likewise indicate general dissatisfaction with current policies. Deputy Religious Affairs Minister Eli Ben-Dahan, for instance, called for the expulsion of the families of the terrorists who committed the massacre at the Jerusalem synagogue, Israel National News reports.

Ben-Dahan insisted not only that the homes of the Abu Jamal families be demolished, but also that the government of Israel ensure that they will not be rebuilt. He also proposed that Israel take greater control of the Arab education system and crack down on anti-Semitic incitement.

Secure a Safer Israel

The Palestinian Authority, Hamas and their extended networks are united in perpetrating and glorifying terrorism against the Jewish State. Instead of facing a partner committed to tolerance and recognition of its neighbors, Israel faces imminent threats each day. With your help, we can fight terror at its root. Sign our petition now, urging the United States and the European Union to cut funding to the PA and its proxies.

Author: United with Israel Staff

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