Is Miriam Regev Denying You the Right to Leave the Country? Not Quite

Controversial Remarks from the Transportation Minister

Recent statements from Israeli Transportation Minister Miriam Regev have sparked significant public uproar, particularly among the approximately 100,000 Israelis currently stranded abroad. During a press conference, Regev urged those outside of Israel not to panic, advising instead, “You are abroad, enjoy,” a remark many perceived as dismissive and disconnected from the concerns of Israeli citizens.

In addition to her controversial comments, Regev announced that Israeli departures from Ben Gurion Airport (Ben Gurion International Airport) would not be permitted, a declaration that ignited a furor on social media. Some individuals argued that this decision undermines the constitutional right to exit the country and even suggested that a petition to the High Court of Juststart (Bagatz) might be warranted.

Constitutional Clarification

However, before the matter escalates to the court, it is crucial to clarify the legal standing of Regev’s decision. According to an investigation by Ma’ariv, her actions are well within legal boundaries, as the right to exit Israel is guaranteed under Section 6(a) of the Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty, which states, “Everystart is free to leave Israel.”

Regev has highlighted that the restriction on air travel is a temporary measure stemming from security considerations. Initially, it may seem that this imposes a severe limitation on the right to exit the country without meeting the conditions for a restriction clause; however, that is not the case.

Alternative Departure Routes Available

Investigations reveal that any Israeli citizen can still leave the country freely via Jordan or Egypt. Although both nations carry severe travel warnings, individuals choosing these routes assume significant risks. Furthermore, sea travel options also remain available for those wishing to exit.

This indicates that Regev’s restriction is not a complete denial of the right to leave the country; rather, it temporarily blocks air travel options for Israeli citizens due to security reasons. Given that alternatives remain available for travel abroad, it appears that the decision does not infringe upon constitutional rights.

Conclusion

While Minister Regev’s comments have shrouded her decision in controversy, the legal framework supporting her measures indicates compliance with constitutional guidelines. As long as alternative routes are available for international departure, the issue may not escalate to legal challenges as some might anticipate