Shin Bet backtracks on support for Citizenship Law

After initially supporting bill that would give authorities right to revoke citizenship of those convicted of terrorism, Shin Bet expresses opposition.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Yuval Diskin 311 (photo credit: Sivan Faraj )
Yuval Diskin 311
(photo credit: Sivan Faraj )
The Knesset Internal Affairs Committee on Monday agreed to a preliminary reading of the Citizenship Law which will give the administrative authority the right to revoke the citizenship of those convicted of terrorism or espionage.
The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) however expressed their opposition to the law, which represents a shift in their position.
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In a letter sent to the Knesset Internal Affairs Committee, the Shin Bet apparently retracted its earlier support, saying that "after weighing all the factors involved, we have decided against sporting Yisrael Beiteinu MK David Rotem's bill."
"It is our understanding that the law in its current wording provides a sufficient response to the need to revoke citizenship in manner which deters both individuals as well as groups," the Shin Bet said.
Hadash MK Dov Hanin said in response the Shin Bet "What's the point of this bill if it is opposed by security organizations?"