Israeli Court Orders Security Wall Rerouted

Israel tires to defend that the Security Wall is being built to stop Palestinian militants from entering Jewish settlements; Palestinians on the other hand claim that the barrier amounts to a land grab on the part of the Israelis. The Court recommended that the height of the wall be decreased and hinted that there could be other alternatives as well.

Victor Bargail, an official from the Ministry of Defense, evaluated the decision and said that the route could be changed to comply with the ruling.

Muhammed Dahleh, the lawyer for the Palestinians, remarked that it was an encouraging decision and added, "It is more important than the decision Lahey will make as it can be easily carried out." Dahleh indicated that with the decision, around 5.2 thousand hectares of Palestinian lands would be reclaimed.

It is also reported that the Israeli Supreme Court’s finding could have a bearing on the verdict of the International Court of Justice, which will decide on July 9 whether or not the Security Wall is legal.

The current plan for the barrier envisages it being laid across nearly 640 km of the occupied territories. Another 20 grievances filed against the Security Wall are pending in the Israeli Supreme Court.