Israel employed a more stringent and opaque policy in the West Bank. Unlike those leaving from Gaza Strip who were allowed outside of the territory for seven years (by way of an exit permit to travel abroad), Palestinians leaving the West Bank received exit documents which were valid for three years, and renewable for the same period again. Additionally, an individual’s stay abroad exceeding the expiration date of his card by six months was grounds for revoking his residency without notice.29 Residency revocation in Jerusalem Israel conferred permanent Israeli residency status on Palestinians registered in the East Jerusalem census. Effectively, it functions as an alien resident status for the natives of the city. Laissez-Passer Palestinian residents of occupied EastJerusalem require an Israeli travel document (Laissez-Passer) in case they want to travel abroad. These travel documents do not guarantee the right to re-enter the country, unless accompanied by a valid Israeli-issued re-entry permit. Such re-entry permits must be renewed annually. In the census Israel conducted in annexed Jerusalem immediately following the 1967 War, Palestinian Jerusalemites physically present were registered in the Israeli population registry and granted Israeli identity cards. Under the Passports Law of 1952, a permanent resident is entitled to a laissez passer (travel document), but not to Israeli passport. Additionally, residency status enables its holder to work in Israel, to receive medical insurance and socioeconomic benefits.30 However, permanent residency is contingent on a set of factors, making their permanence contentious at best. 29 Harriet Sherwood, “Israel Stripped 140,000 Palestinians of Residency Rights, Document Reveals,” The Guardian, May 11, 2011, http://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/may/11/israel-palestiniansresidency-rights. 30 Yotam Ben-Hillel, “The Legal Status Pf East Jerusalem” (Norwegian Refugee Council, December 2013), 24. 20