Israel - Netanyahu Vows To Send Back Thousands Of African Migrants |
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An Israeli solders passes a bottle of water through a border fence to an African migrant. EPA/Yehuda Lahiani ISRAEL OUTJerusalem - Israel’s prime minister says thousands of Africans who have infiltrated into Israel will be sent back home.
Benjamin Netanyahu declared Wednesday that Israel has halted the flow of African migrants into Israel over the past seven months. He spoke while visiting the fence Israel built on border with Egypt to keep migrants out.
He said he will soon begin “repatriating the tens of thousands of infiltrators in Israel to their countries of origin.”
About 60,000 Africans have entered Israel in recent years, some seeking asylum and others looking for work.
Sigal Rozen, whose group assists migrants, says it’s unlikely Israel can repatriate them, since many come from conflict zones or countries that have no ties with Israel.
She says Netanyahu’s pledge could be political posturing ahead of Jan. 22 elections.
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Read Comments (3) — Post Yours »
1
Jan 03, 2013 at 07:33 AM Butterfly Says:Report as Inappropriate
About time. They have done enough damage already!!
2
Jan 03, 2013 at 09:42 AM Geulah Says:Report as Inappropriate
Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson have made their aliyah plans and will be living in tents outside the PM's office to protest.
4
Jan 06, 2013 at 09:28 AM shimon Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ About time. They have done enough damage already!! ”
If they caused big damage, then that's a shame. Then i would have to agree they should enegetically be attempted to be sent back. But if not, then i would say they should be sent back more humanely on a one by one basis, after examining what the predicaments would be in each case.
It would be good if Israel gets a good name that many thousands chose Israel as a safe place to come to, even if illegally.
But can you do you that if Israel sends back 90% of them? If not, then send 100% back, or none!