ISM activist awaiting deportation

UK national entered Israel in August with changed name to avoid detection.

By ARIEH O'SULLIVAN
palestinian arrest298.88 (photo credit: AP [file])
palestinian arrest298.88
(photo credit: AP [file])
Security forces arrested a British national, apparently a member of the pro-Palestinian International Solidarity Movement (ISM), who entered Israel in August with a changed name to avoid detection by Israeli border control, details released for publication on Monday revealed. The man, Andrew MacDonald, had previously visited Israel in 2003 and was expelled by the Interior Ministry after IDF soldiers arrested him while holed up in the home of a terrorist. MacDonald changed his name and sneaked back into Israel this summer. Security forces detained him in early November in the Tel Rumeida neighborhood of Hebron after he assaulted a member of the security forces. He was released, but detained again on November 25. "Mr. MacDonald's entry and presence in Israel was done deceitfully and in contravention of Israeli law," a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said. Israel tried to deport MacDonald on November 30, but while on board he threatened to cause a disturbance and he was removed. He is currently being held by the Immigration Police awaiting deportation. The ISM is known for its zealous support of Palestinian organizations. Some are engaged in peaceful activities, but some have helped terrorists and their families. They have also acted as human shields between Palestinians and Israeli forces. The British embassy did not immediately return a call requesting comment. With AP