The IDF Appeal Committee on Monday morning, 23 Tammuz 5773 announced the Beit HaMachpelah in Hebron was purchased legally, as has been claimed all along by the Hebron Jewish community. Community residents’ months ago protested the government’s decision barring their entry into the homes, a decision backed by then Defense Minister Ehud Barak.

The IDF appeals committee however accepted the Jewish community’s appeal, ordering the state to pay for the community’s legal expenses in the case.

It is Important to realize that while the military body ruled in favor of the Jewish community of Hebron, once again it will depend on the defense minister, whose signature is required to permit acting on the decision.

While Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon is perceived as an ally of Hebron and the yishuvim, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu backed Barak’s decision in the last administration and may opt to avoid another round of conflict with the US and EU at this time. Hence, Ya’alon’s signature is not a given in this case.

MKs Yariv Levin and Orit Struk of the Knesset’s Eretz Yisrael Lobby praised the decision. Struk is also a Hebron resident. The two are calling on Ya’alon to give the okay to move into the building after so many months of waiting.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)