120 South Sudanese leaving Israel under pressure - Boston.com

The influx has caused friction with Israeli locals, and several incidents recently turned violent.

Authorities, alarmed by the swelling numbers, say the migrants are a burden on the economy and threaten to undermine Israel’s Jewish character.

Facing a public uproar, the government launched a campaign last week to round up and expel migrants from South Sudan and other countries that have friendly relations with Israel, and therefore would be expected to treat returning citizens well.

In all, it hopes to expel 4,500 Africans.

The operation would only make a small dent in the total number of migrants. Under an international treaty, Israel cannot deport those from Sudan, an enemy state, or to Eritrea, a country with a miserable human rights record, because they could face harm if they return to their homelands.

In addition, other Africans continue to flood into Israel. Interior Ministry spokeswoman Sabine Haddad said that while Israeli authorities rounded up about 300 people over the past week, some 260 more Africans entered Israel illegally.

Haddad said the people leaving Sunday had agreed to go after being threatened with arrest. In all, more than 500 agreed to leave within the past week, and another flight is scheduled for next week, she said. Adults who sign the voluntary departure form will receive 1,000 euros ($1,300) apiece to help them resettle, and minors will be given 500 euros ($650) each, she said.

South Sudanese Interior minister Alison Manani Magaya said a delegation of South Sudanese officials was in Israel to assess how many will return. She said those that did would be provided the same assistance given to Southerners returning from Sudan.

“They can come and stay with their relatives,’’ she said. “They were there (in Israel) because of the (Sudanese civil) war. The war is over and they should come back home.’’

She insisted that South Sudan has no objection to Israel’s move.

“That is their country. If they don’t want people there, then they can come home,’’ she said.