Israeli Supreme Court approves disputed 'security wall' through Palestinian lands

July 08, 2015

Reversing the effect of a previous decision, Israel’s Supreme Court has ruled that the country’s defense ministry can proceed with construction of a controversial “security wall” through the Cremisan valley, blocking Palestinian families from the vineyards they cultivate.

In April the court had ruled against construction of the wall through the lands of two Salesian monasteries, directing defense officials to find another route for the barrier. But the court has now accepted a plan that involves only slight changes in the placement of the wall. The monastery lands are now located on the Palestinian side of the wall, but the barrier will still separate 58 Palestinian families from their vineyards. "We are surprised by the incredible decision of the court,” Bishop William Shomali told the Fides news service. He said that local Palestinian residents suspected that the government wanted to make the vineyards available for the expansion of Israeli settlements.

 

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Further information:

• Surprising about face of the Supreme Court of Israel: the green light to the construction of the "separation Wall" in the Cremisan Valley (Fides)
• Israeli supreme court sides with Catholic monastery, Palestinian homeowners over route of security wall (CWN, 4/7)