Israel's Knesset passed a law on Wednesday barring non-Israeli citizens from entering or residing in the country if they – or the organizations they represent – have denied the October 7 massacre or the Holocaust, or have supported the international prosecution of Israeli security personnel.
The law, which passed without opposition, expands an amendment enacted in 2017which barred the issuance of visas and residence permits of any kind to non-citizens or non-permanent residents of Israel if they or their affiliated organization called for a boycott of Israel.
The law was submitted by Michel Buskila of the New Hope-United Right party and was originally initiated by party colleague, MK Zeev Elkin.
According to the explanatory notes of the original draft, "The purpose of this bill is to strengthen the tools available to the state to counter hostile elements operating from within or outside Israeli-controlled territory, who seek to harm the state, its citizens, its officials, its security, its foreign relations, and its trade ties."
It further stated that the legal tools currently available are limited and insufficient to address additional hostile actions.
Earlier on Wednesday, a preliminary reading approved a bill that prohibits citizens, authorities, and public entities from "cooperating with the International Criminal Court in The Hague."
According to the proposal, anyone "providing services to the court in The Hague or making resources available to it," could face up to five years in prison unless they "prove they were unaware that their actions were for the court's activities." The bill, submitted by Likud MK Amit Halevi, was approved with a majority of 25 in favor and 10 against.
Under the bill, authorities and public entities would also be prohibited from cooperating with the International Criminal Court, and restrictions would be imposed on those acting on its behalf, including entry, residence, or asset ownership in Israel.
Additionally, the proposal states that the ICC would not be allowed to own property or assets in Israel or conduct any economic activity without obtaining permission.
The explanatory notes emphasize that Israel does not recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court and that "the court's activities pose a significant threat to the State of Israel and all those acting on its behalf or in its service."