The government, citing international law, on Sunday told an expanded nine-justice panel of the High Court of Justice that the Regulation Law is legal. The controversial law was passed by Knesset, and is now being challenged before an expanded panel of the High Court. It legalized many yishuvim and outposts that exist throughout Yehuda and Shomron today, but prior to the law, they did not enjoy legal status.

The state also maintains the court would be “exceeding its authority” if it is critical of the law, which is based firmly on international law. The government added this will prevent a crisis and the possible eviction of hundreds of thousands, which would not only lead to a political crisis but have a disastrous impact on the nation.

Contrary to the position presented to the court, Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit announced he would not defend the law before the High Court, for in his opinion, it contradicts Basic Laws. Dr. Mandelblit is also viewed as an expert in international law.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)