Israeli government considers deportation of Eritreans after Tel Aviv violence

The Israeli government said it might consider strong measures, including the immediate expulsion of Eritrean asylum seekers involved in Saturday’s rioting in Tel Aviv.

170 people were injured in violent battles with police and infighting between Eritrean regime supporters and opponents.

According to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, “a red line” had been crossed.

He also directed the implementation of a new plan to deport all African migrants whom he referred to as “illegal infiltrators.”

The Prime Minister and some of his cabinet members have faulted the Supreme Court for blocking moves to expel asylum seekers out of Israel.

“Now there remains a serious problem with the illegal infiltrators in south Tel Aviv and elsewhere,” the prime minister said at Sunday’s special government meeting.

“We want harsh measures against the rioters, including the immediate deportation of those who took part.”

Saturday’s historic chaos began when anti-Eritrean government activists announced that they had urged Israeli authorities to cancel an event hosted by their country’s embassy.

They scaled a police cordon surrounding the facility, which was then vandalized.

As policemen on horseback sought to force the protestors away, officers in riot gear fired tear gas, stun grenades, and live shots.

An investigation has been launched to determine if the use of live ammunition was legal.

Several dozen Israeli police officers, who were among the injured, said their lives were in danger.

It is estimated that over 18,000 Eritreans are seeking asylum in Israel, the majority of whom arrived illegally years ago by crossing Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.

They argue to have fled hazards, persecution, and mandatory military service in one of the world’s most restrictive countries.