Israel Passes Landmark Legislation to Expel UNRWA from the Country
87-9 Vote Seals UNRWA’s Exit Amid Allegations of Terror Support
The Israeli Knesset has passed a groundbreaking bill to shut down the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) within Israel. The legislation, spearheaded by MK Dan Illouz (Likud) in collaboration with MK Ron Katz (Yesh Atid) and MK Yulia Malinovsky (Yisrael Beitenu), prohibits any Israeli entity from cooperating with the organization.
Despite mounting international pressure to halt the vote, the bill passed overwhelmingly, with a majority of 87 to 9 votes. Another related bill, sponsored by MK Boaz Bismuth (Likud) and MK Sharren Haskel (National Unity), targets UNRWA operations specifically in Jerusalem.
UNRWA: Humanitarian Aid or Terror Enabler?
UNRWA, initially established to provide support for Palestinian refugees, has come under harsh criticism in recent years. Israeli authorities and independent watchdogs have accused the organization of enabling terrorist activities, with reports indicating that its facilities were used to store weapons and launch rockets. Moreover, several of its schools have been linked to incitement against Israeli civilians.
The controversy has escalated further following the October 7 attacks by Hamas. Some reports claim that UNRWA employees participated in the violence, further fueling demands for the organization’s expulsion. Critics argue that UNRWA perpetuates the refugee status of Palestinians rather than providing genuine solutions, fostering hostility instead of promoting peace.
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A “Historic Day” for Israel’s Security, Says MK Illouz
Following the bill’s approval, MK Dan Illouz called it a pivotal moment in Israeli history:
“Today, we put an end to years of deception. UNRWA is not a humanitarian organization but an accomplice to terrorism. No external pressure will dictate how we protect our citizens.”
Illouz emphasized that the new legislation sends a clear message: Israel will no longer tolerate organizations linked to terrorism within its borders.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir echoed these sentiments, thanking Knesset members from across the political spectrum for supporting the bill. He declared, “Those who threaten Israel’s security will face the consequences.”
Advocacy Groups Celebrate the Legislation – Unrwa
Israeli organizations praised the bill as a long-overdue measure. Im Tirtzu, a right-wing advocacy group, welcomed the law, calling it a corrective step after years of neglect.
“UNRWA has long been a breeding ground for anti-Israel incitement,” said a spokesperson for the group. “The Knesset has finally restored justice.”
Similarly, Shay Glick, CEO of the NGO B’Tsalmo, hailed the decision as the first of many efforts to combat what he described as “terror organizations disguised as human rights groups.”
Implications for Regional Relations
The expulsion of UNRWA may strain Israel’s diplomatic relations, particularly with Western nations that continue to support the organization. However, Israeli officials maintain that national security takes precedence over international opinion. This stance aligns with the government’s broader strategy of resisting foreign pressure, as evidenced by Israel’s handling of recent regional tensions.
