United Arab List Petitions High Court to Halt Home Demolitions Until New Government Forms

The United Arab List has filed an urgent petition with the Israeli Supreme Court requesting a freeze on home demolition and eviction orders in the Negev and the Arab community. The party seeks to halt these actions, particularly on state-owned lands, until a new government is formed following the upcoming elections. This move comes in response to a recent surge in demolitions, including over 70 homes and a mosque in the village of Dheya, north of Rahat, which displaced dozens of families. Additionally, demolition orders were served to residents of the village of Al-Zayadinah.

The United Arab List accused Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir of exploiting home demolitions for political and electoral gain, noting his public involvement in such operations, some carried out by the Israel Land Authority. The party argued that this practice undermines the impartiality of law enforcement and the integrity of the electoral process.

The petition was submitted by attorneys Wissam Ghanayem and Razi Shahadi on behalf of Mansour Abbas, head of the list, and the United Arab List. Abbas had previously urged the Attorney General to intervene and halt the demolitions, but no decision has been made yet.

Attorney Wissam Ghanayem stated that demolishing homes that have stood for years on the eve of elections is unjustifiable, suggesting that some building situations could be resolved by the next government. He warned against using demolitions as an electoral tool and called for the Attorney General's intervention to prevent irreparable damage.

The United Arab List emphasized the need to cease discriminatory demolition policies and ensure the rights of Negev residents to land and housing. They also called for broad participation in the elections to form a new government that can address these issues. The Supreme Court has requested the Attorney General to respond to the petition by next Tuesday.