The High Court of Justice on Wednesday ruled in favor of accepting Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein’s position, to evict the families of Migron from their homes and to raze the homes, which the court maintains were built illegally [by the government] on privately owned Arab land.

The court’s ruling stated the residents must be out of their homes by next week, 17 Elul (September 4, 2012) and the homes of most residents must be razed by 24 Elul (Sept. 11th) with the exception of plot number 10, based on claims it was purchased by residents.

Interestingly, Justices Gronis, Naor and Arbel recognized the legality of some of the land purchases, but added this does not mean the homes built on those land plots should remain standing because there are also issues of zoning and planning, so in fact the residents broke the law. The land was not used in line with the plan for that area.

Needless to say that the residents and supporters lamented the ruling with the realization once again the State of Israel is evicting Jews from a government built community. Peace Now expressed pleasure with the ruling, calling it “A victory of the rule of law” and called it a “significant step” towards actualizing the “two-state solution”.

Yesha Council officials stated they will not be discouraged by the ruling.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak told Israel Radio that he will enforce the law, explaining “the law is the law and a decision is a decision” and he is duty bound to make sure the court’s decision is carried out. Barak praised the caliber of Migron residents, adding “I do not agree with them however”.

Preparing for the expulsion, police early Thursday morning raided nearby Ramat Migron, the outpost, and arrested an activist who they prefer to keep behind bars before the eviction is carried out.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)