British Activist Faces Deportation Over West Bank Entry

A 35-year-old British activist was arrested and faces deportation from Israel after entering a closed military zone in the West Bank’s South Hebron Hills, allegedly refusing to identify herself and threatening a local security coordinator. Israeli police said they found she had posted criticism of Israeli police and soldiers on social media and was affiliated with a group promoting a boycott of Israel, which informed the deportation decision. However, her lawyer claims she was not questioned about her social media activity and only refused to provide ID to a plainclothes officer, later presenting it to uniformed soldiers. The activist was reportedly taken directly to a deportation hearing rather than being brought before a judge, as police stated. The incident comes amid Israel’s broader efforts to bar foreign activists and some lawmakers critical of the state from entry or continued stay. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir supported the move, underscoring a tougher approach against perceived threats.