Israel Weighs Bill to Revoke Citizenship for IDF Critics Abroad

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that he will advance two legislative proposals aimed at penalizing individuals who defame Israeli soldiers internationally. The first bill seeks to allow for the revocation of citizenship, while the second aims to increase the amount of compensation that can be claimed from such individuals. Netanyahu stated, "We will protect our heroic fighters. We will revoke citizenship from anyone who slanders IDF soldiers abroad and deeply hurt their pocket." He referenced remarks by opposition leader Yair Golan, former Military Advocate General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, and the creators of the film "Nezar," expressing his expectation for support from all "Zionist factions."

In a separate development, the Israeli military denied responsibility for the collapse of a building in Gaza City that killed at least twenty people. Hamas-affiliated Civil Defense in Gaza claimed the building was hit multiple times in 2024 and March 2025. The IDF stated, "Contrary to claims, the IDF did not attack the building in question during the war."

Meanwhile, U.S. House Representative Gregory Meeks, a senior Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, declared he would not support the sale of approximately 900-kilogram bombs to Israel due to concerns about their use in accordance with international law. The Trump administration is planning to sell Israel a $2.8 billion arms package, including tens of thousands of these heavy bombs. While congressional committees are reviewing the deal, Meeks's opposition alone is insufficient to block the sale.

Additionally, Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi met with his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita in New York, hosted by U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Pompeo. The meeting, held six years after the Abraham Accords, focused on upgrading bilateral relations, including appointing ambassadors and converting diplomatic missions into full embassies. Both nations also agreed to increase flights, facilitate high-level visits, and finalize investment and tax agreements by year-end. Ashkenazi remarked on the "deep roots and glorious history" of friendship between the Moroccan and Jewish people, emphasizing practical steps to enhance ties.

Earlier in the day, the IDF announced it had targeted and killed three Hamas and Islamic Jihad operatives in northern Gaza. Among those killed were commanders involved in attacking Israeli forces and launching rockets.