The long process for Ariel College in the city of Ariel in Shomron to achieve university status has come to an end, and Ariel scores a major victory. Defense Minister Ehud Barak has instructed Central District Commander Major-General Nitzan Alon to sign the final paperwork, sealing the decision that grants the school university status. Because of the complex laws governing Yehuda and Shomron, which include Israeli, Turkish, Ottoman and British Mandate Law, the final word on many issues in those areas remains in the hands of the defense minister. This is true for granting construction permits as well.

Barak made the move following the recommendation of Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein, who to the surprise of many announced this week that he feels there is no legal reason prohibiting Barak from authorizing the university status to Ariel.

Weinstein’s decision comes amid extreme opposition from the left-wing Israel Council of Higher Education, which has done everything in its power to prevent the move. Many respected academics have been heard expressing their opposition to the move over recent months, unwilling to accept the granting of the prestigious university status to an institution located over the Green Line, in “occupied areas” as they view the Shomron.

Minister of Education (Likud) Gideon Saar serves as chairman of the council, and despite its adamant opposition to the move, he lauded the decision, praising the decision of the attorney general.

The Council of Presidents of Israeli Universities blasted the decision: “It’s unfortunate that the attorney general has decided to uphold an inadequate measure that is plagued with political interests and extraneous considerations and will prove to be disastrous for higher education in Israel,” the council said.

The council has petitioned the High Court to issue an injunction to block recognizing the college as a university.

Yisrael Beitenu leader Avigdor Lieberman responded as well, stating his party played a vital role in the process, reminding voters that the party promised to work towards achieving this goal.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)