The Knesset approved this evening (Monday) - by a historic majority of 92 Knesset members compared to ten who opposed - the law that prohibits the activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) in Israeli territory.
This is despite explicit opposition from the US government and a number of European countries, as well as a recommendation from legal advisors not to enact the law due to the legal implications of the move.
The law is an initiative of MKs Boaz Bismut, Sharan Haskel and Hanoch Milbitsky. According to the bill, UNRWA will not operate any representation, will not provide any service, and will not carry out any activity, directly or indirectly, in the sovereign territory of the State of Israel.
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The explanatory notes to the proposal state: "If it is proven to the State of Israel that UNRWA and its employees are participating in and involved in terrorist activities against Israel, it is proposed to determine that Israel will act to cease all activities of the agency on its territory.".
MK Boaz Bismuth, one of the law's sponsors, said: "UNRWA terrorists, your story ends here - enemies have no right to exist in the State of Israel.".
The chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Yuli Edelstein, welcomed the law and said: "That's it, it's over. UNRWA is out!".
He said, "After hard work in the Foreign Affairs and Security Committee, we were able to lead a historic and significant move for the security of the state and to thwart one of the terrorist arms that operated under the auspices of the UN. UNRWA has long ceased to be a humanitarian aid agency, but beyond being an integral part of encouraging terror and hatred, it is an agency for perpetuating poverty and suffering. The logic is simple - in order to survive, UNRWA itself creates demand for the product it provides.".
The Regavim movement congratulated the approval of the law against UNRWA: "Long years of terror, incitement and murder by UNRWA are coming to an end. The State of Israel chooses to overcome the pressures and threats from around the world and do the right thing for its security and resilience. These are historic moments of renouncing the shackles of the concept.".
""We welcome the initiators of the law and are moved by the impressive mobilization from the coalition and the opposition in favor of truth and justice. In this spirit, on other important settlement issues - we must stand resolutely for Israel's vital interests and act in favor of continuing to establish the Zionist vision in our country.".
Minister of Jerusalem and Jewish Heritage, Meir Porush: "The ministry I lead has formulated a plan to provide alternatives to all UNRWA services in East Jerusalem, and we are currently in dialogue with the Ministry of Finance to provide the necessary budget to implement the plan. In accordance with the law that has now been approved by the Knesset, in 90 days UNRWA's activities in the city of Jerusalem will be terminated, thus putting an end to the serious situation in which a terrorist organization operates under the cover of a diplomatic body within the city of Jerusalem.".
