The Jerusalem District Court ruled on Sunday that the controversy surrounding the Beit HaShalom in Chevron will be adjudicated by an Israeli court, and not a PA (Palestinian Authority) court as requested by the Arab petitioners.

The Jews residing in the complex in Chevron were evicted over a year ago, and the court’s decision clears the way for moving forward towards establishing ownership over the building, which is claimed by Arabs.

Justice Yitzchak Inbar issued his ruling on Sunday, accepting the argument of attorney Ze’ev Sharaf, who is representing Tal Investments. The court added that even if one were to contend a PA court in Chevron does have jurisdictional authority, current realities do not permit actualizing this authority in an unbiased fashion, including the fact that in accordance to PA law, the sale of land to Jews carries the death penalty. This is the reason believed that the seller is now denying the legitimacy of the documentation presented by the Jews, realizing a ruling in favor of the Jewish owners is a death sentence for him.

The court added that the Arab sellers of the property relied on Israeli courts in the past and therefore, there is no reason for a change of venue at present. The hearing is set for Sunday.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)