A draft of the rules was published in February and received harsh public backlash as well as legal challenges which forced a delay to their implementation.
But those regulations have been removed from the official guidance published on Sunday. The rules are currently set to take effect on October 20.
Israel says the new ordinance is meant to codify norms already in place.
The document also states that the new regulations will be part of a “two-year pilot period” after which “the situation will be evaluated and a decision will be made regarding whether to keep the procedure in force.”
An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity to speak more freely, told CNN the reason Israel wanted foreigners to declare romantic relations with West Bank Palestinians was to simplify visitors’ visa process. The official said as an example, a student with a foreign passport who fell in love with a Palestinian could — instead of needing to renew their student visa every year — just register as a couple and receive the equivalent of a spousal visa.
The draft guidelines published in February were challenged in the Israeli Supreme Court by human rights groups and individuals.
“I continue to have concerns with the published protocols, particularly regarding COGAT’s role in determining whether individuals invited by Palestinian academic institutions are qualified to enter the West Bank, and the potential negative impact on family unity,” Nides said. “It is important to ensure all of these regulations are developed in coordination with key stakeholders, including the Palestinian Authority.
COGAT is the Israeli agency which administers Israeli policy in the West Bank.
Nides is married to CNN executive Virginia Moseley, who is senior vice president of domestic newsgathering.
“[The] Israeli military takes the prerogative of micromanaging Palestinian society – including interfering with academic freedom of Palestinian universities. This procedure violates Israel’s international legal obligations and HaMoked will continue its legal challenge of it,” said HaMoked Executive Director Jessica Montell.
The digest
Israeli military admits Shireen Abu Akleh likely killed by Israeli fire, but won’t charge soldiers
- Background: Abu Akleh was fatally shot while covering an Israeli military operation in the West Bank in May. According to an autopsy carried out by the Palestinian Authority, she was killed by a single bullet to the back of the head. Footage obtained by CNN — corroborated by testimony from eight eyewitnesses, an audio forensic analyst and an explosive weapons expert — suggested that Abu Akleh was shot dead in a targeted attack by Israeli forces.
- Why it matters: This is the first time the IDF has admitted that Abu Akleh’s death was probably caused by Israeli fire. A senior IDF official who briefed journalists on the findings of the military’s investigation before they were released said troops didn’t know they were shooting at the press, and said that Abu Akleh’s back “probably” being turned to the soldiers was a contributing factor. In images from the scene of the shooting, Abu Akleh is wearing a protective vest that is labeled “PRESS” on both the front and back.
Iran sentences two women to death for ‘corruption on earth’
Two women have been sentenced to death in Iran on charges of “corruption on earth” and human trafficking over the last few days, Reuters cited Iran’s official IRNA news agency as saying on Monday.
- Background: “Corruption on earth” is a term Iranian authorities use to refer to a broad range of offenses, including those related to Islamic morals. “Contrary to news published online, the sentenced have deceived and trafficked young women and girls out of the country by promising them educational and work opportunities, thus leading to the suicide of several of their victims,” IRNA said.
- Why it matters: Advocates and rights group took to social media to share pictures of the two women, saying they are LGBT rights activists and are innocent. Reuters couldn’t verify the pictures. In March, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described homosexuality as part of a “moral deprivation” widespread in Western civilization. Under Iran’s legal system, homosexual acts can be punished by the death penalty.
Erdogan accuses Greece of ‘occupying’ demilitarized islands
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Greece on Saturday of occupying islands in the Aegean Sea that have a demilitarized status, and said Turkey was prepared to “do what is necessary” when the time comes, Reuters reported.
- Background: Ankara has recently accused Athens of arming the demilitarized Aegean islands, which Athens rejects, but Erdogan had not previously accused Greece of occupying them. “Your occupying the islands does not bind us. When the time, the hour, comes, we will do what is necessary,” Erdogan said. Greece reacted by saying it will not follow Turkey in its “outrageous daily slide” of statements and threats.
- Why it matters: NATO members Turkey and Greece have been at odds over issues ranging from overflights and the status of Aegean islands to maritime boundaries and hydrocarbon resources in the Mediterranean, as well as ethnically split Cyprus. Turkey has also recently been angered by what it said is harassment of its jets by Greek forces.
Around the region
Abandoned for years on Istanbul’s Asian shore, the city’s famed “haunted mansion” was finally sold on Friday to Turkish lender İşbank for 449.3 million Turkish Liras ($24.7 million).
Ragip Pasha lived in the mansion until his death in 1920, and the property has since exchanged hands several times.
The three-story building has a closed area of 2,700 square meters and sprawls over a large garden space. In desperate need of renovation, its 20th-century architecture and spectacular seaside view have made it an integral historical landmark for the Kadikoy neighborhood.
The abandoned building’s rough facade and dilapidated facilities have led locals to refer to it as ‘haunted’.
The property was sold at a public tender, where the court had initially placed the building’s price at 449.4 million liras.
By Nadeen Ebrahim
Photo of the day
