Settlers want more money
צילום: עטא עוויסאת
'Pay enough - we’ll move’
Would-be evacuees petition High Court over what they say is inadequate compensation; settlers say they would evacuate voluntarily if matter resolved
JERUSALEM - A group of 21 West Bank settlers petitioned the High Court of Justice Wednesday over what they say is inadequate compensations offered to would-be evacuees.
The petition marks the first time settlers slated for evacuation have criticized the compensation offered to them. The petitioners, who reside in the settlement of Ganim, note they are willing to evacuate their homes voluntarily but say they want the compensation matter resolved.
“We accept (the pullout)…but want the compensation to be just and fair,” the settlers’ attorney said.
Appraiser says compensation inadequate
According to the petition, the planned evacuation violates one of Israel’s Basic Laws, which forbid damaging an individual’s possessions. The current compensation package would inflicts great damage to would-be evacuees and must be improved, the petitioners say.
The petition includes an assessment by a well-known appraiser, who says the current package would not allow evacuees to purchase land elsewhere.
A Ganim resident who has resided there for six years is set to receive NIS 225,000 (about USD 50,000) at most, according to the Compensation-Evacuation Law.
The settlers say the rate of compensation should be determined in accordance with the land’s value, and not be based on duration of residence at the community.
