Israel’s High Court of Justice on Wednesday, 12 Nissan ruled to postpone the demolition of the homes of two terrorists who were involved in the murders of Rabbi Eitam and Rebitzen Na’ama Henkin HY”D. The young couple was murdered in front of their horrified children as they drove near Itamar during Sukkos last year.

Three terrorists were indicted in the murder. Ziad Amar, Muna Saeh and Saba Alawa are part of a larger terror network. The court on Wednesday heard a petition filed by the Center for the Defense of the Individual, seeking to prevent the demolition of their homes. Justice Anat Baron agreed, expressing her opposition to the demolition since she does not feel the families of the terrorists living in the homes were  aware of the diabolical plot.

The petitioners explained the demolitions are a violation of international law and represent collective punishment. In addition, they feel the punishment is disproportional regarding the rights of the defendants.

Justices Noam Solberg and Yitzhak Amit however rejected the petition on behalf of Ziad Amar’s family due to the heinous nature of the attack and his role. The court felt that Alawa’s role was a minor one as was that of Saeh. Justice Solberg explained they were in the outer circle and this demands reviewing the case. The court has instructed the state to respond by May 17th and show the evidence explaining the role of the two in the attack.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)