The High Court of Justice on Monday approved the proposed route of the barrier partition fence in the area of Jabel Mukaber in the capital. The nation’s highest court ruled in favor of the state in the appeal, handing down its opinion against Arab residents and overturning the Tel Aviv District Court.

Justice Dorit Beinish, Eliezer Rivlin and Edmond Levy ruled the current route of the fence is fine, within the parameters of the law since it hugs the Jerusalem municipal boundaries and therefore, it is justified – seeking to protect the citizens of the capital.

The court did however order the state of permit passage to residents of Sheikh Sa’ad, those with entry permits, to permit them to pass the barrier fence via a checkpoint crossing. The Arab community numbers about 1,500, about half with Israeli ID cards.

The state plans to construct an electronic fence to divide the area and near some of the border homes of the village, 8 meter high concrete walls will be set in place, usually to prevent shooting attacks and infiltrations.

Justice Beinish explained the partition fence saves lives, and it contributes to security, and therefore, it is essential. She added that the court is aware the partition will result in hardship for village residents, and therefore she ordered the current crossing must remain a viable option after the construction of the partition barrier.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)