Israel will postpone the deportation of five Palestinian activists in order not to risk new disturbances in the currently calm administered territories, Yediot Achronot reported Wednesday.
The newspaper said the decision was made following consultations between Premier Yitzhak Shamir, Foreign Minister Shimon Peres and Defense Minister Yitzhak Rabin. A second major factor was the Foreign Ministry’s warning that deportations beyond the four made Jan. 13 would further harm Israel’s image abroad.
Pressure from the United States was another factor, Yediot Achronot said. Deportation orders were issued on Jan. 3 against nine Palestinian activists accused by the military of incitement to riot in the administered territories.
Four, from the West Bank, were expelled to Lebanon, Deportation proceedings were pending against the remaining five — one from the West Bank and four from the Gaza Strip. The Gazans announced Monday they would waive their right to appeal on grounds they could not expect justice from Israeli courts.
The four deportees also had waived their right to appeal.
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