Settlers ordered to leave Hebron house
High Court rules: Three Jewish families must evacuate themselves willingly by 11 a.m. Friday, after which they will be removed by IDF; 'evacuation may inflame situation, lead to clashes,' settlers' representative says during court hearing
The three families illegally invaded a Palestinian house near Hebron's Avraham Avinu neighborhood.
At the beginning of the court hearing, Attorney Gilad Korinaldi, who represented the settlers, asked the court for an extension of time in order to study the material, but the State presented a decisive front at the hearing, saying that the decision cannot be postponed.
"Every move in Hebron is accompanied by harsh violence on the part of the settlers," said Attorney Gilad Sherman, who represented the State at the hearing.
He added that the IDF soldiers stationed in the area are prepared for immediate action should the evacuation be approved.
Hebron house destined for evacuation (Photo: Reuters)
The hearing was postponed by another hour in order to allow Attorney Korinaldi to study the material, after which the parties convened again. Justice Aharon Barak suggested that the petitioners evacuate the building, which will remain empty in the meantime, and then approach the Magistrate's Court to settle their legal dispute.
After a short consultation, Attorney Korinaldi announced that the petitioners reject the offer, and insisted that the High Court rule on the matter.
Attorney Sherman told the court: "The situation in Hebron is extremely volatile and super-sensitive, mainly because of the behavior of Jewish settlers in the city."
Attorney Korinaldi leveled cinical criticism at the government's warning that the IDF will evacuate the settlers as soon as the court rules in favor of its decision, saying no one wants to see again the scenes reminiscent of the evacuation of Amona. Settlers and evacuation troops violently clashed during the evacuation of the illegal outpost, leaving over 100 people injured.
"Evacuation is bound to inflame the situation and cause clashes," he said.
Illegal rental documents
Far right-wing activist Itamar Ben-Gvir said in response to the court's ruling: "The High Court has once again demonstrated the nature of the political intentions of its Justices. If they were to set a voting station in the court and hold elections, (Arab MK) Ahmad Tibi and Meretz would be able to form a government."
On Sunday, the IDF ordered squatters to willingly evacuate an Arab home they had entered two weeks before or else be evicted by force. Settlers had presented the army representatives and the Civil Administration with documents stating that they are renting the place.
The documents were examined both by the police and the State Prosecutor's Office. Defense establishment officials later claimed that the documents were illegal and that the settlers invaded the building.
