For the first time since its passage, Israel has implemented legislation allowing for the removal of citizenship and deportation of terrorists, applying the law to two individuals convicted of deadly attacks.

The decision targets Mahmoud Ahmed, who received a 23-year prison sentence for a series of shooting assaults on soldiers and civilians, as well as for acquiring weapons and plotting additional attacks. It also applies to Mohammed Ahmed Hussein Alhasi, who was sentenced to 18 years in prison for a 2016 stabbing attack in which two elderly women were wounded.

The action followed authorization from Israel’s security authorities and the attorney general. The formal order was signed by Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, acting in his capacity on behalf of the Interior Ministry.

Announcing the step, Netanyahu said, “This morning, I signed the revocation of the citizenship and expulsion of two Israeli terrorists who carried out stabbing and shooting attacks against Israeli civilians and were rewarded for their criminal actions by the Palestinian Authority.”