Why is Israel kicking out thousands of African refugees? | Inside Story

Why is Israel expelling thousands of African refugees?

They endured a dangerous and desperate journey to escape war, persecution and hunger in their countries. The refugees, mainly from Eritrea and Sudan, travelled through Egypt seeking a better life in Israel.

But the government calls them infiltrators and says they threaten what it calls Israel’s “Jewish character”.

It has begun issuing deportation orders, and warning the refugees they either accept money and a plane ticket home, or risk being jailed.

But is this action legal?

Presenter: Jane Dutton

Guests:

Robbie Sabel, Professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Sigal Rozen, Head of public policy at the Tel Aviv-based Hotline for Migrant Workers.

William Spindler, Spokesman for the United Nations High Commisoner for Refugees.