Israeli Court Slams Security Forces, Orders Return of Palestinians Displaced by Settler Violence

Israel's Supreme Court has sharply criticized the state and security forces for their handling of nationalist crime incidents in the West Bank, ordering the government to facilitate the return of three Palestinians to their homes within 14 days. The ruling, issued by Justices Yitzhak Amit, Alex Stein, and Yehiel Cherlow, addresses a petition filed by Palestinians who claim they were forced to flee their homes in the village of Jalud, near Nablus, following violent invasions and acts of vandalism since April. The petitioners detailed a series of events including invasions, threats, road blockades, stone-throwing, and damage to property and infrastructure, such as severed water lines, uprooted trees, a burned vehicle, and blocked access roads.

The court noted that the state did not dispute the core of the events described in the petition. It was also stated that after the petitioners vacated their homes, Israeli individuals, described as "rioters," occupied them intermittently. The judges highlighted documented footage showing Israeli soldiers playing soccer with these individuals at the site. A military official explained that these were reinforcement soldiers unfamiliar with procedures, and the involved soldiers were removed from combat duty.

The Supreme Court expressed strong dissatisfaction with the state's response, stating, "The picture presented is very grim. There are plenty of questions; worthy answers, fewer." The justices added that the respondents' conduct in the proceedings raises significant difficulties, given the frequency, duration, and inadequate response to the incidents. The court affirmed that the overall responsibility for the security of local Palestinians rests with the IDF, as the military commander is the sovereign in the area.

In its decision, the court mandated the state to coordinate the return of the petitioners within 14 days, ensure their safe return, and allow them to bring in equipment for repairing their homes and infrastructure. Furthermore, the court issued an order nisi, requiring the state to explain why it should not be compelled to return the petitioners and their families to their homes and remove obstacles from access roads. The state was also ordered to provide data on enforcement and investigation actions against the Israelis involved, including the possibility of prosecution and the potential confiscation of vehicles used in the incidents. The parties are required to update the court on the petitioners' return by September 22.