Interior Minsiter Gilad Erdan said Saturday that he had instructed his staff to examine the possibility of revoking the resident permits and accompanying rights of Arabs in East Jerusalem who encourage terror.
"I have instructed my staff at the Interior Ministry to assess and advise me on how I might expand my authority as interior minister in order to nullify the residency and accompanying social rights of east Jerusalem Arabs who encourage terror and incitement to violence," Erdan said at a cultural event
.
Eran's statements came following the wave of terror attacks in Jerusalem over the preceding weeks, which were committed by Arabs residing in the eastern part of the city. The area was also the site of major rioting over the last several months.
Erdan also commented on the controversy surrounding the closing of shops on Saturday.
"I intend to establish a public committee including both religious and secular participants, who will advise me on finding the correct balance. I realize that any decision that is valid in Tel Aviv will be significant for all of Israel," he said.
"The issue of Shabbat is a serious one. It has national, social, family, and traditional value. I believe in 'live and let live', and it's important for us to find the right balance in this issue."