Demanding the Evacuation of an Illegal Arab Encampment

by Regavim
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This morning, the High Court heard arguments in yet another round of Regavim’s petition demanding implementation of demolition orders issued by the state in 2009 to evacuate Khan al Ahmar.

The state’s representative claimed that the state has no objection to the implementation of the orders, but demands that it be given full discretion as to the timing and manner in which they are to be implemented, due to political and security considerations involved. The head of the National Security Council, Tzachi Hanegbi, appeared at the hearing in person and the state requested that its arguments be presented behind closed doors.

The justices asked the state’s representative how much longer it would take to enforce the law in this case – and what guarantees the state can give that the orders will indeed be carried out as promised over the years.

Justice Stein questioned how the state expects the court to reject a petition demanding the execution of demolition orders when the state is actually unwilling to give any date for eviction.

The residents of Khan Al Ahmar also expressed opposition to the presentation of the state’s arguments behind closed doors.

Regavim agreed to a closed-door hearing, but requested that the court address the public’s right to know whether the factors hindering the implementation of the law stem from political, diplomatic, or actual security matters.

At the end of the closed-door hearing, the justices announced that a verdict or decision would be sent to the parties.

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Although in principle it is true that the court should not interfere in political issues, in the event that the state refuses to enforce the law for 15 years and under the auspices of this situation the Palestinian Authority and the residents of the illegal outpost continue to take over the territory, there is no alternative: The High Court of Justice must put an end to the saga and allocate a reasonable timetable for the state to enforce the law.

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