The Palestinian village of Susiya has been embroiled for years in a legal battle for the rights to plan, build, and live safely on the land they own. However, in August of 2017, the far-right Israeli Minister of Defense, Avigdor Lieberman, made comments to the press that the Government of Israel plans to demolish the village by April 2018. These comments were soon corroborated by official statements.
Haqel (English: the Field): Jews and Arabs in Defense of Human Rights is an Israeli human rights organization that legally represents Susiya in its Israeli High Court case.
On December 28th, 2017, Haqel submitted a response to the High Court to the State's pronouncement that it intends to demolish approximately 35% of the structures in Susiya. Click here to read Haqel's press release.
On January 7th, 2018, the Court ordered the State to provide details of the dates of construction and respond to the claims of the Petitioners that the 15 structures slated for demolition were built to fulfill critical humanitarian needs. The furnishing of these details would constitute adequate "warning", making it possible to executive the orders within 15 days of the issuing of the warning unless the petitioners submit an application for injunctions against the demolitions within 7 days from the receipt of the warning. Click here to read Haqel's press release.
On January 18th, 2018, an Israeli High Court Justice granted a "very temporary" injunction against demolition until the State can respond to the petitioners' claims. Click here to read Haqel's press release.
On January 25th, 2018, the State of Israel submitted its response to Haqel's request for an interim injunction against demolition, and provided justification for demolishing each of the 20 structures. Click here to read Haqel's press release.
On February 1st, 2018, the Israeli High Court ruled that seven structures in the Palestinian village of Susiya can be demolished immediately. Click here to read Haqel's press release. In an effort to provide solidarity and bear witness, internationals and Israelis have been taking turns staying overnight with the families targeted for demolition.
On March 14th, 2018, right-wing Israeli settler NGO Regavim submitted a request to the High Court that the Court demand a date from the State by which demolition of those seven structures will be carried out. Regavim submitted this request in response to the recent construction of a new building in Susiya, which they claim undermines the Court's decision. Click here to read Haqel's press release.