Why were Eritrean factions fighting on the streets of Israel’s Tel Aviv?
Al JazeeraAug 31, 2023
The Facts
Following protests and clashes between differing Eritrean groups and Israeli police in Tel Aviv, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday called for the removal of all African migrants from the country.
Speaking at a special ministerial meeting following the violence in the capital that began Saturday, Netanyahu called for "harsh measures," including the "immediate deportation of those who took part."
The Spin
Right narrative
Israel must respond with strength against the foreign gangs causing violence and chaos in the streets of Israeli cities. While the judicial system has previously dismissed attempts to clamp down on infiltrators, the same mistake cannot occur again. Unless stern action is taken, Jewish culture will slowly become a minority because of those who take advantage of Israel's goodwill.
Left narrative
Netanyahu's government is using the weekend's unfortunate clashes to target the country's judicial system and engage in xenophobia and racism. To remove migrants in such a fashion is a clear violation of both civil and human rights, and the current detention of many individuals without trial highlights the state's growing authoritarian regime.