Prosecution: Illegal Palestinians Over 50 to Face Charges Only After Third Entry
A State Prosecution directive will only charge certain Palestinians over 50 with illegal entry after their third arrest.
Jerusalem, 27 September, 2026 (TPS-IL) — A State Prosecution directive cited in a recent court ruling revealed that certain Palestinians caught entering Israel without a permit will not face criminal charges during their first two arrests.
The policy, reportedly issued in 2025, applies to illegal entrants over 50 and to those who previously held permits to enter Israel. Under the directive, prosecutors will consider filing charges only after a third arrest for illegal entry.
The policy was reportedly adopted amid a severe shortage of prison space and difficulties faced by the enforcement system in dealing with the large number of illegal entrants.
According to Israeli media on Sunday, the recent ruling brought the directive to public attention.
In practice, individuals covered by the policy may be caught twice inside Israel without a permit and not be indicted. Criminal proceedings will be considered only after a third apprehension.