Israel renews law banning Palestinians living with Israeli spouses

A controversial law that bans Palestinians married to Israelis from living with their spouses in Israel has been extended for another year by Israel's Knesset.

Originally passed in 2003 as an "emergency" statute to "prevent potential terrorists" coming into Israel through marriage, it was later extended in 2008, and then again on Monday by Israel's Knesset.

The law, which many have deemed "racist" allows the government to avoid granting Israeli citizenship or residency status to Palestinians married to Israelis.

Many families are forced to move out of Israel, live apart, or live together illegally. Some exemptions can be granted for Palestinian men over the age of 35, or women over 25.

Defending the decision, interior minister Silvan Shalom said "security risks have grown over the past year", placing an emphasis on the security situation in the Gaza Strip.

The draft bill was proposed in Ariel Sharon's first government in 2002 in order to protect the "Jewishness of the state".

Many have criticised the law, saying that it makes marriage impossible for Israelis and Palestinians.

Human rights organisations have previously filed complaints to the Supreme Court, calling for the law to be cancelled. The court has rejected all such complaints.