A British tourist has reportedly been deported from Israel over alleged anti-Zionist social media activity after she was detained by soldiers in a “military zone”.
The woman, named by Haaretz as 35-year-old Janet Adyeri, reportedly violated an IDF closure order in the West Bank after entering the country on a tourist visa.
According to police, Adyeri refused to identify herself and threatened an official from a nearby settlement, which led to her arrest on public order grounds.
During questioning, officers allegedly discovered that she had made a series of “online posts critical of Israeli police officers and soldiers” and was a member of a group that had called for the boycott of Israel, prompting her deportation.
However, Adyeri’s lawyer, Riham Nasra, has disputed this account, claiming that there was no mention of social media activity.
Nasra claimed that Adyeri had declined to present her ID to a settler, but later handed over her passport to a soldier when asked. She was then allegedly ordered to leave the area but arrested when she demanded her passport back, the lawyer added.
Adyeri has now been transferred to Givon Prison in central Israel, where she awaits a deportation flight.
Announcing the move on X, national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said: “A British tourist who called on social media to boycott Israel, and published posts against IDF soldiers and Israeli police officers, was arrested and deported from the country.
“Congratulations to the Shi'ite District police for their quick and decisive action.
“Anyone who acts against the State of Israel will find an aggressive police presence. The games are over.”
A UK Foreign Office spokesperson said: “We are supporting a British woman who is detained in Israel and are in contact with the local authorities.”
To get more Israel news, click here to sign up for our free Israel Briefing newsletter.