Israel reached an understanding with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for the departure of at least 16,250 illegal immigrants from Israel.
At its highest point there were some 60,000 illegal immigrants living in south Tel Aviv. 20,000 were sent back to African countries, leaving an estimated 35,000 still unsettled.
UNHCR will work to facilitate the departure of these populations to Western countries, including Germany, Italy and Canada. The State of Israel will regulate the status of the remaining illegal immigrants, who will stay in Israel.
Prime Minister Netanyahu and Minister Aryeh Deri believe this understanding will enable a greater number of infiltrators to depart than in the previous framework, all under the auspices of the UN and the international community.
The framework is divided into 3 stages and is spread over 5 years, at the end of which, they claim the reality of life in south Tel Aviv and the neighborhoods will significantly improve.
They announced that the common understanding was approved by the Attorney General and is consistent with international law and best practices.
In addition, a special administration will be established to deal with the rehabilitation plan for southern Tel Aviv. The administration will be headed by Avigdor Yitzhaki and will include representatives of the Tel Aviv municipality and neighborhood representatives. The budget and resources intended for the implementation and enforcement of the previous framework will be invested in the development and rehabilitation of southern Tel Aviv.
The Prime Minister and the Minister of Interior worked to maintain the previous framework, but due to legal constraints and political difficulties on the part of the third countries, it was necessary to arrive at new and improved understandings that would ensure the continued departure of thousands of migrants from Israel for a comprehensive resolution.
In addition, as part of the understanding, it was agreed to concentrate efforts to encourage a more balanced geographical distribution of the populations that will remain in Israel, with occupational guidance, vocational training, job matching, etc.
Netanyahu and Deri stressed that the new agreement would alleviate legal issues surrounding the previous plan to deport people against their will, as well as ramp up the number of illegal immigrants who would actually be taken out of the country. Both ministers also stressed the economic benefits of the new plan.
“We will take millions of shekels from the Holot (detention center), spread the people who stay in Israel around the country and offer them job retraining and temporary residence status,” Netanyahu said.
“Holot alone cost of NIS 250 million (per year),” added Deri, “and all for nothing.”
Other ministers in the government were shocked and dismayed to learn of the details of the agreement. Some only learned there was an agreement from the media, and expressed anger that Netanyahu and Deri did not consult with them.
Education Minister Naftali Bennett had harsh words for the agreement, calling it a false campaign, and that is going to turn Israel into a paradise for illegal infiltrators.