The High Court of Justice on Thursday expressed an unwillingness to reopen the case surrounding Beit Yonatan, located in the City of David neighborhood of Yerushalayim. The court a number of years ago ruled an addition to the structure was illegal, ordering portions sealed and the residents evacuated.

Justice Edna Arbel ruled today (Sept.1st) that there was no justification to honor a request to delay carrying out the court’s ruling, adding harsh words for the Jerusalem municipality, which appears to be procrastinating. Back in 2010, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat announced (http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/article.php?p=48685) he would comply with the court’s ruling, but added the same must be the case in the Arab sector, rejecting a discriminatory policy that enforced zoning and building laws in the Jewish sector while ignoring the Arab sector.

Residents of the building are seeking an extension, still living in the building despite the eviction order. The court stated the residents should have long been out and their compliance has no connection to City Hall doing its part as per the court’s decision.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)