Press Release: The ICJP’s Letter to Home Secretary Priti Patel Regarding the Presence of Bezalel Smotrich in the UK

(LONDON) The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) have written on 10 February 2022 to Priti Patel MP, Secretary of State for the Home Department, regarding the presence of Bezalel Smotrich in the UK, a member of the Israeli Knesset (MK) and leader of the Religious Zionist Party.  

We have outlined the reasons why the individual’s presence in the UK is non-conducive to the public good, and may cause a threat to public safety pursuant to the Home Office’s guidance. We have urged the Home Secretary to take imminent action to prevent the individual’s entry into the UK, or in the case that he is already present in the UK, to remove him under the non-conducive framework.

The individual in question holds extremist views, including anti-LGBT/homophobic views, and anti-Arab/anti-Palestinian views. He has also supported a forced transfer policy of Israel’s Palestinian-Arab population, as well as segregation of Israel’s Jewish and Palestinian-Arab demographics.

The ICJP shares the concerns expressed by Jewish groups, such as the British Board of Jewish Deputies, and many in the Jewish community regarding the presence of Smotrich in the UK.

Once again, we urge Priti Patel to consider barring Bezalel Smotrich’s entry to the UK, or revoking his entry clearance in accordance with the Home Office’s guidance. The presence of such an extremist in the UK is not conducive to the public good, and an affront to British values and democracy. Extremists like Mr. Smotrich have no place in British society.