Supreme Court justices have leveled harsh criticism at the State during a hearing concerning the seizure of homes in the village of Qusra, near Nablus. The hearing addressed allegations of persistent failure by law enforcement, following a petition filed by local villagers against security officials, including the IDF commander in the West Bank, the head of the Civil Administration, and the Israel Police. According to information presented, the harassment began in April 2026 with the establishment of an illegal outpost named "Givat HaTzambirim" on private land.
The petitioners reported that they were forced to flee their homes in July 2026 after experiencing violent invasions, extensive infrastructure damage such as severed water lines and uprooted trees, and the arson of vehicles. Despite military orders issued to evacuate the rioters, the hearing revealed that the site was repeatedly re-occupied by settlers after forces departed, leaving the petitioners unable to return to their homes. Justice Ofer Grosskopf questioned why the rioters are permitted to remain, describing the authorities' conduct as a "revolving door.
" Justice Khaled Kabub presented sobering data on police activity, noting that approximately 95% of complaints are closed without indictments, arguing that these figures are inconsistent with police claims of effective enforcement. During the proceedings, the police representative attempted to argue that indictments are filed against repeat offenders, but the justices rejected these claims, emphasizing that the reality on the ground—characterized by the return of the same individuals to the same locations—demonstrates a persistent failure in enforcement.
The court clarified that the ultimate responsibility for the security of residents in the area rests with the military commander as the sovereign on the ground. The justices' critique also included questions regarding documentation showing soldiers in social situations with rioters. The case has drawn widespread attention, with both the Prime Minister and the President addressing the events. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the violence as the work of a handful of rioters, while President Isaac Herzog described the events as a "stain" and called on authorities to act decisively to ensure justice.
The High Court issued an order nisi requiring the State and the IDF to justify the residents' inability to return to their homes, emphasizing that the current situation contradicts the State's fundamental values.