(JNS) The Knesset passed legislation on Wednesday, Feb. 15 stripping the citizenship of terrorists who receive stipends from the Palestinian Authority as part of Ramallah’s “pay for slay” policy.

The new law, which drew support from opposition MKs, applies to Israeli citizens and permanent residents convicted of terrorism, aiding terrorism, inciting war or aiding an enemy. It gives the interior minister authority to revoke citizenship and resident status after a mandatory hearing and, if citizenship is revoked, deny entry of those expelled into Israel.

The law passed in a 94-10 vote on its third and final reading, garnering rare cross-Knesset support.

The development comes after a string of deadly terrorist attacks in recent days carried out by Arab Israelis.

“Our answer to terrorism is to strike back hard,” tweeted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the vote.

Added National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir: “We succeeded in passing in the Knesset the important law to deny citizenship to terrorists. Whoever tries to harm us does not deserve to live in our country. This is an important step in the war against terrorism.”

Ben-Gvir has repeatedly called for the Knesset to pass a law to apply the death penalty to terrorists.