Barak to IDF: Prepare to raze terrorists' homes
Defense minister orders IDF to begin preparations for razing home of east Jerusalem terrorist who carried out bulldozer attack; Barak also seeking demolition order for home of terrorist who carried out Jerusalem Yeshiva attack
Barak is also seeking a demolition order for the home of the terrorist who perpetrated the Mercaz Harav yeshiva massacre in Jeruaslem.
The Defense Ministry's Legal Adviser Ahaz Ben-Ari will coordinate the move with the IDF. However, despite the preparations for demolition, IDF officials will also look into alternatives, such as sealing off the homes.
'Significant judiciary difficulties'
Barak's order followed a legal opinion provided by Attorney General Menachem Mazuz, who Thursday night ruled that there is no legal obstacle to razing terrorist homes.
Mazuz did note, however, that although not illegal, such punitive action would carry significant judiciary difficulties. He urged both the government and the defense establishment to carefully consider the ramifications and perils of any such action and stressed that should a decision of that nature be made, it would have to be coordinated with the Justice Ministry.
The Attorney General's Office and the State Prosecutor's Office held several meetings on the legalities of razing terrorists' homes all throughout Thursday.
Efrat Weiss and Hanan Greenberg contributed to the story
