Knesset´s Internal Affairs Committee holds special session on growing social unrest over infiltrators issue; aid groups refuse to participate

The Knesset´s Internal Affairs Committee held a stormy session Tuesday on Israel´s infiltrators problem. Human rights and refugee aid groups were invited to take part in the meeting, but decided to shun it in protest of government policies on the issue.

"This is a painful, national problem," said Committee Chairman MK Amnon Cohen (Shas). "We fail to differentiate between foreign workers, illegal aliens and infiltrators."

"I´ve toured southern Tel Aviv and I have heard what the residents have to say. They say they live in fear, but we – the government – are to blame for that. We´ve created a powder keg," he said.

He further defended the various refugee aid groups, which have come under attack by the Right: "We should be helping these groups. Anyone helping these poor people is doing God´s work."

MK Danny Danon (Likud) countered: "We have to deport (infiltrators). Countries all over the world deport them. This situation is hurting the residents of south Tel Aviv. Deploying Border Guard officers there is not a solution." (Copyright 2012 © Yedioth Internet 05/29/12)