Israel Dismantles 'Kingdom' Compound in Galilee, Evicts 15 Children
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Israeli authorities demolished structures belonging to the "Kingdom of Yishr-El" group near Rosh Pinna on Monday, evicting dozens of residents, including 15 children, who had lived on agricultural land for over three years. The group, led by Shi Karmusta, declared itself a sovereign entity separate from Israeli law. Legal challenges delayed the demolition order, issued in September 2023, until a recent court ruling allowed authorities to proceed. The Israel Land Authority stated its commitment to enforcing land use regulations.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli authorities demolished the "Kingdom of Yishr-El" compound near Rosh Pinna on Monday.
- Dozens of residents, including 15 children, were evicted from the unauthorized settlement.
- The group, led by Shi Karmusta, declared itself a sovereign entity separate from Israeli law.
- Legal battles delayed the demolition order, issued in September 2023, for over a year.
- The Israel Land Authority is committed to enforcing land use and building codes.
- The group had previously been evicted from a compound in Emek Hefer in spring 2023.
Authorities on Monday demolished structures belonging to "Kingdom of Yishr-El," a group that had established an independent compound on agricultural land near Rosh Pinna for over three years. The operation, led by inspectors from the Israel Land Authority's Northern District and supported by police forces, involved the eviction of dozens of "subjects," including 15 children, who were living in buses on the site. A large number of animals were also found on the premises.
The demolition order against the group, suspected of being a cult, was issued in September 2023 by the Local Planning and Building Committee in the Upper Galilee. However, legal battles ensued as the group's members attempted to obtain injunctions to prevent the demolition. These efforts, which included appeals to various courts, were prolonged, partly due to the war in the north. A breakthrough occurred recently when the Magistrate's Court in Safed ruled that there was no longer grounds to delay the demolition order, clearing the way for Monday's action, 38 months after the "kingdom's" establishment.
Throughout the legal proceedings, the residents refused to recognize the court's authority. The Israel Land Authority stated that agricultural land is designated for its intended purpose and not for unauthorized residential complexes, vowing to continue enforcing land use and building codes. The group, led by Shi Karmusta, who calls himself "the King," had previously been evicted from a compound in Emek Hefer in the spring of 2023 before relocating north.
Dudu Peretz, Chairman of the Local Planning and Building Committee in the Upper Galilee, confirmed the completion of the demolition of illegal construction. He noted that the group had built numerous structures in the agricultural area for their residence. Following the identification of this activity, the committee acted promptly to issue administrative demolition orders, which were ultimately upheld by the court after a lengthy legal process.
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