After High Court Decision, Arson and Riots Thwarted Tubasi Family’s Return

Why the Family Petitioned the Court

The Tubasi family left its homes in July following prolonged harassment by extremists. At the beginning of the month, the High Court of Justice heard its petition and criticized the actions of the military and police, pointing to numerous incidents and an inadequate response by the state. The case number and exact date of the decision were not provided in the source.

What the High Court of Justice Ruled

Justices Yechiel Kasher and Alex Stein, and Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit, issued an order nisi. The state authorities were required to explain why they would not ensure the return of the petitioners and their family members to their homes and remove roadblocks and obstacles from the access roads. The court also required a report on investigative and enforcement measures, including the confiscation of vehicles used for unlawful activity.

The Court’s Legal Position

The panel of justices described nationalist crime against Palestinians as completely unacceptable and contrary to the basic moral principles of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. The justices noted that such crime requires the allocation of forces and resources to protect residents, harms ongoing security, and damages Israel’s international image as a state governed by the rule of law. The specific statute or provision on which the order nisi was based was not identified in the publication.

What Happened During the Return

According to Mohammed Tubasi, extremists who were waiting for the family attacked them, after which soldiers evacuated the family members. According to a statement by the military and police, more than 100 rioters blocked roads, set tires on fire, threw stones, and set fire to Palestinian buildings, vehicles, and other property. Two of the family’s homes and a vehicle were set on fire; three Border Police officers were lightly injured, and three suspects were arrested, including youths aged 15 and 17.

Implementation of the Decision Was Not Completed

The military and police said that because of the riots, the mission to return the family was not carried out. Investigators from the Judea and Samaria District and forensic identification personnel were expected to collect evidence and testimony. The source does not report when the family will be able to return and does not provide a final High Court of Justice decision on the merits of the petition.

Latest legal news

• Court finds no reasonable suspicion linking Bedouins to theft
• High Court upholds age limit barring ritual slaughterers over 80