Supreme Court Throws Out Petition against Outpost Encroaching on Palestinian Land

On August 3, a Supreme Court hearing was held regarding the evacuation of an outpost on private Palestinian land near the settlement of Carmei Tzur. The petition also requested that Palestinians be granted access to their land on which parts of the outpost were built. The Palestinian petitioners are represented by Rabbis for Human Rights.

Settlers and occupying soldiers atCarmei Tzur

Settlers and occupying soldiers at Carmei Tzur (Photo: RHR)

The court rejected the petition, saying in its decision that it is satisfied with the state’s claim that it intends to take down the outpost, even though authorities have demonstrated a clear lack of commitment to doing so by their still not having scheduled a date for dismantling the settlement. All this also comes despite the state’s foot dragging in taking action after the rebuilding of the outpost on private Palestinians’ lands.

The court did not consider the petitioners’ argument that the existence of the outpost and construction on it limits their ability to access their lands – lands which bring in their livelihoods. The court was satisfied with the state’s declaration that there are no problems related to land access for the petitioners, despite the fact that the petitioners have requested state assistance in accessing their land 15 times, all of which were ignored. Without this commitment for assistance, the Palestinians risk being physically assaulted by settlers.