Jerusalem, Israel – The Israeli Knesset has passed a new law prohibiting non-citizens from entering or residing in the country if they or their affiliated organizations deny the October 7 attacks or the Holocaust, or if they support international legal action against Israeli security personnel.

The legislation, which passed without opposition, expands on a 2017 amendment that previously restricted visas and travel permits for individuals and organizations promoting boycotts of Israel.

The law, proposed by Michel Buskila of the New Hope-United Right party, builds upon initial efforts led by New Hope MK Zeev Elkin. Lawmakers backing the bill argue that existing measures were inadequate in addressing individuals and groups they consider adversarial to Israel’s national security.

“This legislation strengthens our ability to protect Israel from hostile elements seeking to undermine the state’s legitimacy,” Buskila stated during the debate. “We will not tolerate the denial of atrocities committed against our people or legal actions that target those defending our citizens.”

Crackdown on ICC Cooperation

In addition to the entry ban, the Knesset advanced a separate bill aimed at restricting cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.

Introduced by Likud MK Amit Halevi, the proposal passed its preliminary reading with 25 votes in favor and 10 against. If enacted, it would criminalize collaboration with the ICC by Israeli citizens, authorities, and public entities. Violators could face up to five years in prison.

The bill also seeks to prevent ICC officials and affiliates from entering Israel, purchasing property, or engaging in economic activities within the country unless granted special authorization.

Proponents of the measure argue that the ICC poses a direct challenge to Israel’s sovereignty and security forces, reinforcing Israel’s longstanding position of non-recognition of the court’s jurisdiction.

“The ICC has demonstrated clear bias in its actions, targeting Israel while ignoring true human rights violators worldwide,” Halevi asserted. “This law will ensure that no Israeli institution aids the court in its politically motivated agenda.”

ICC Arrest Warrants and Background

The legislative moves come in response to the ICC’s issuance of arrest warrants in November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

The warrants marked the first time the court had taken such actions against leaders of a democratic nation. If enforced, the warrants could subject Netanyahu and Gallant to arrest in any country that is a party to the ICC.

The ICC also issued a warrant for Hamas commander Mohammed Deif, though Hamas has not confirmed his reported death in an Israeli airstrike in July.

Israel remains outside the ICC’s jurisdiction, arguing that its independent judiciary system negates the court’s authority over Israeli nationals. The ICC’s charter stipulates that it prosecutes only when national legal systems are unwilling or unable to act.

The backdrop to these legislative developments is the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israeli communities near the Gaza border, which resulted in at least 1,200 deaths and the abduction of 252 Israelis and foreign nationals.

According to Israeli sources, of the 69 hostages still believed to be in captivity, 36 are presumed dead.

With these new measures, Israel continues to assert its sovereignty while pushing back against international legal scrutiny and perceived delegitimization efforts.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members