A British tourist was deported from Israel this week after she entered a closed military zone in Judea, refused to identify herself to Israeli forces and was found to be affiliated with a group promoting boycotts of the Jewish state.
According to an Israel Police statement on Tuesday, the 35-year-old woman was detained the previous day during a joint operation by Hebron police and Israeli soldiers after she entered a restricted area in the southern Hebron Hills. She reportedly disrupted public order, refused to present identification and threatened the local security coordinator who responded to the incident.
Police said the woman was arrested, questioned at the Hebron police station and later transferred to the Judea and Samaria District’s Central Unit for further interrogation. During the investigation, authorities discovered that she had published inflammatory posts online targeting Israeli police and Israeli soldiers, and was affiliated with an organization advocating for the boycott of Israel.
As a result, the Population and Immigration Authority decided to deport her. She remains in custody until her removal from the country is completed.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir wrote on X in response to the incident:
“A British tourist who called on social media to boycott Israel and posted against IDF soldiers and Israeli police officers—was arrested and deported from the country.
“Kudos to the Judea and Samaria District police officers for their swift and determined action.
“Whoever acts against the State of Israel will face a tough police response. The games are over!”