There can be no doubt that the destruction of three homes in the Shomron community of Migron by government troops in September set a new precedent for the Israeli left-wing and PA (Palestinian Authority) residents, who now see Israel’s High Court as an ideal vehicle towards dismantling yishuvim. While a High Court petition against Shvut Rachel preceded the razing of Migron homes, leftists are now confident in their actions, realizing the nation’s highest court shares its agenda.

The next yishuv being targeted in Shvut Rachel; situated geographically in the Shomron, near Tapuach Junction, in the Binyamin Regional Council district. Home to approximately 100 families, the community was established in 1991 in memory of Shilo resident Rachela Druk HY”D, who was murdered in a shooting attack against buses heading to a political rally in Tel Aviv. The shots rang out near the current location of the community. (Also killed in the attack was bus driver Yitzchak Rofeh HY”D. A number of adults and children on the bus were also injured by gunfire).

The left-wing Peace Now organization turned to the High Court of Justice in March, and in its response, supporting construction in the community, the state indicated the permits required to legalize the community are going to be issued forthwith. The Peace Now petition is based on the state’s Sasson Report of 2005, which classified Shvut Rachel as an illegal outpost.

In actuality, the current administration and other ‘pro-settlement’ administrations that preceded this one are to blame, for they continue to shout their support for yishuvim but fail to take the actions required to legalize communities who today are categorized the same as Shvut Rachel.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)