The High Court of Justice on Tuesday, 21 Cheshvan, once again halted the evacuation of the Negev Bedouin community of Um el-Hiraq.

The removal of the community was to have taken place on Tuesday morning after the court rejected numerous petitions over recent months. However, on Tuesday morning the court decided to permit delaying the expulsion to permit residents additional time to find alternative living arrangements.

Arab Bloc MK Talab Abu Arar feels “Despite the delay in the eviction of el-Hiraq, I see Arab homes are going to be destroyed and uprooted to further develop Jewish homes. This is unacceptable”.

He added “The government is liable for the displacement of the residents. To the Arab community I say if I am not for myself who is for me? The Arabs have no interest in confronting police but the crooked actions and decisions are forcing the Arabs to begave differently. Uprooting an Arab community for more quality of life for Jews”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)