The High Court of Justice on Monday disappointed 30 Sderot residents who filed an appeal, seeking to have the court compel the national government to add the necessary protection to their homes in the wake of constant rocket attacks.

While the court expressed sympathy for their position, the justices opted not to involve itself and called on the government to implement its plan to fortify Sderot homes.

The petitioners told the court that to date, many residents have been compelled to pay for the construction of safe rooms since the government has been less than forthcoming, but the court indicated such expense is not entitled to reimbursement from the government, explaining the government is responsible for constructing the safe rooms and other fortification methods.

According to the current government plan, the major construction on safe rooms will get underway in 2009.

In short, the court did direct comments to the national government, speaking of its responsibility to act to protect residents, but the justices fell short of taking any concrete actions on their behalf.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)