Immigration and Personal Status Attorney
The Law of Entry into Israel: Immigration and Residency Regulations
The Law of Entry into Israel, 5712-1952, is the primary statute governing the entry, stay, and residency of foreign nationals in the State of Israel. The law applies to all categories of visitors and residents — from tourists and temporary visa holders to permanent residents and individuals seeking citizenship. Understanding its provisions is essential for anyone navigating the Israeli immigration system.
By Igal Mor, Adv. & Notary
Accuracy in Legal Advice. Excellence in legal support.
Originally enacted in 1952, the law has been amended numerous times to address evolving immigration policies and security concerns. The accompanying Entry into Israel Regulations, last comprehensively revised in 1974, establish the procedural requirements for visa applications, extensions, and status changes. Any person who wishes to enter or reside in Israel must comply with the provisions of both the law and its regulations.
The BDS Amendment
A notable amendment enacted in 2017 provides that individuals who actively promote boycotts against the State of Israel (commonly known as BDS activists) may be denied entry visas. This amendment grants the authorities the power to refuse entry to foreign nationals whose primary purpose is to advance boycott activities against Israel, its institutions, or its citizens.
Powers of the Minister of the Interior
The law authorizes the Minister of the Interior to remove and deport individuals who violate its provisions — including those who enter or remain in Israel without proper authorization. The Minister’s powers extend to issuing deportation orders, imposing entry bans, and revoking residency permits in cases of non-compliance with the conditions of stay.
Infiltrators and Unlawful Residents
The authority to detain individuals who have entered Israel unlawfully also derives from the Law of Entry. The statute prescribes penalties for unauthorized entry and for those who assist others in entering the country illegally or who provide shelter to individuals residing in Israel without lawful authorization.
Notable Cases Under the Law of Entry
Several high-profile cases have shaped the interpretation of the Law of Entry. One historically significant case involved Meyer Lansky, an American citizen of Jewish descent who sought Israeli citizenship under the Law of Return. His application was ultimately denied by the Minister of the Interior, and the Supreme Court upheld the decision — establishing important precedent regarding the discretion of immigration authorities.
Another prominent case involved the German writer Gunter Grass, whose entry into Israel was denied in 2012 by the Minister of the Interior due to his wartime service in the Nazi SS. This case illustrates the broad discretionary powers granted to the Minister under the Law of Entry regarding the refusal of entry on security and public interest grounds.
Permanent Residency for East Jerusalem Residents
Following the Six-Day War, the State of Israel granted permanent residency status to Arab residents of East Jerusalem. However, this residency is not irrevocable — it can be revoked if the resident establishes a center of life outside of Israel for an extended period. The legal framework governing the residency rights of East Jerusalem residents has been the subject of extensive litigation and remains a complex area of Israeli immigration law.
Appeals against decisions made under the Law of Entry into Israel are heard by a specialized appeals tribunal established under the statute. This tribunal has jurisdiction to review visa denials, deportation orders, and other administrative decisions affecting the entry and residency rights of foreign nationals.
Obtaining legal status in Israel — whether a residence visa, permanent residency, or citizenship — is a complex and bureaucratic legal process. The Immigration and Personal Status Department at Mor & Co. Law Firm understands these challenges and provides comprehensive legal support at every stage. We are committed to delivering effective representation and achieving the best possible outcome for our clients.