State: Decision on Migron evacuation a year away

The Supreme Court on Monday heard yet another petition concerning the evacuation of the illegal West Bank outpost of Migron, this time by Peace Now.

Migron has been the center of a lengthy legal battle, as the government's proposed solution for the relocation of the families residing there – namely to build a new neighborhood for them at the settlement of Adam, near Jerusalem – has been contested both by the settlers and by left-wing groups.

Peace Now demanded the court overturn the Defense Ministry's authorization to build 50 new housing units in Adam, saying it was an inadequate solution.

Monday's hearing saw the State argue that the designated housing units in Adam were still a year away from being completed, but once they were ready anyone refusing to leave Migron would be forcibly evicted.

Attorney Anar Helman, for the State, told the court the prosecution believed the majority of the outpost's residents would agree to buy houses in Adam: "Our promise not to forcibly evict Migron will not apply to those who refuse (to move). You can't have it both ways."

Should some settlers refuse to leave the illegal outpost, "the defense establishment would have to evict them and the Yesha Council is aware of that."

The agreement to relocate settlers to Adam was described by Helman as a "breakthrough." The Defense Ministry, he explained, wants to ensure an efficient evacuation that could eventually lead to similar ones in other illegal West Bank outposts.

"Is the State's position so unreasonable that it does not warrant waiting one more year for the sake of the bigger picture? This is the first outpost to meet actual deadlines."

Justice Salim Joubran, presiding over the hearing, asked Helman if the State considered having the settlers sign a document guaranteeing they would agree to leave Migron.

"The settlers would never sign such a document," Helman replied, to which the judge said, "Then you haven't reached an agreement."