HÜDA PAR Deputy Chairman Halef Yılmaz has voiced sharp criticism over the continued delay in discussing the “Dual Citizenship Bill,” a legislative initiative designed to revoke the Turkish citizenship of those holding dual Turkish-Israeli nationality and participating in Israel’s ongoing atrocities in Gaza.

The bill, first proposed in December 2023 and approved for General Assembly debate in June 2024, remains stagnant — a situation Yılmaz says raises questions about political will and national security priorities.

“Why is the Dual Citizenship Bill still not on Parliament’s agenda? What is there to fear?” Yılmaz asked in a written statement. “Many other proposals submitted later have already been debated. The silence surrounding this one is alarming.”

The Bill: Holding Israeli Collaborators Accountable

HÜDA PAR’s proposal seeks to revoke citizenship from Turkish nationals who fight on behalf of the Zionist regime or contribute to the genocide in Gaza.

The bill also mandates that such individuals be summoned back to Türkiye for investigation — and if they refuse, their assets would be confiscated and citizenship revoked.

Those returning and found guilty would face prosecution under Turkish anti-terror and national security laws.

The proposal successfully passed an initial stage in Parliament last year but has since been shelved, prompting accusations of reluctance among lawmakers to confront pro-Israel interests within Türkiye.

“Not Political — A Matter of Justice”

Yılmaz underscored that this legislation is not directed at the government but is rooted in justice and national integrity:

“This is not about attacking any political party or leader. It’s about protecting our nation’s dignity and confronting those who enable Zionist crimes. This is a moral, humanitarian, and Islamic duty.”

He warned that without decisive action, Türkiye risks being seen as tolerant of dual citizens who aid in the killing of Palestinians.

Reports Reveal Zionist Infiltration

Yılmaz cited alarming reports on Turkish-Israeli dual nationals participating in the Gaza conflict.

“According to Al Jazeera Arabi, nearly 10,000 Jews with Turkish citizenship are serving in the Israeli military, including one officer operating the Iron Dome system,” he noted. “Türkiye Gazetesi also reported that 4,000 Turkish dual citizens are fighting on Israel’s side.”

He also criticized local figures who publicly support Israel’s actions.

“Certain individuals in academia and media have gone so far as to justify the genocide in Gaza while enjoying the privileges of Turkish citizenship,” Yılmaz said, referring to “pro-Israel intellectuals” who have defended the occupation online.

Historical Parallels and National Memory

Yılmaz drew attention to Türkiye’s historical experience with infiltration and identity concealment, referring to the 1934 Surname Law and the February 28 postmodern coup as examples of hidden Zionist and anti-Islamic influence.

“The February 28 process exposed the extent to which Israeli-linked networks had infiltrated our bureaucracy, media, and economy. Even today, their full influence has not been purged,” he asserted.

He emphasized that dual citizenship serves as a shield for Israelis seeking to escape justice for war crimes and maintain influence through lobbying and propaganda.

A Call for Public Pressure

Yılmaz announced that a nationwide signature campaign is underway to push Parliament to act.

“This campaign is a voice of loyalty to Gaza — a voice of the people who refuse to remain silent against the killers,” he said.

He called upon the Turkish public and all Muslim-majority nations to take similar measures, arguing that the issue transcends politics.

“Since October 7, the truth has been exposed. Every Muslim country must examine whether Zionist-linked citizens or organizations operate freely under their watch.”

The Eli Cohen Example: A Warning from History

In his concluding remarks, Yılmaz drew a stark historical analogy with the Israeli spy Eli Cohen, who infiltrated the Syrian government in the 1960s before being executed in Damascus in 1965.

“If infiltration could reach the level of deputy defense minister in Syria, who can say it hasn’t happened in Türkiye?” he warned.

Yılmaz closed his statement by reaffirming that the issue is not one of hostility but of awareness and moral responsibility:

“We must protect this country from those who slaughter the oppressed abroad and serve Zionist agendas at home. The next move belongs to the people — and to Parliament.” (ILKHA)