Expel, then Investigate

The High Court of Justice decided today that the hundreds of Palestinians who were expelled from their homes in St. Mount Hebron can return to live in their homes and graze their herds on their land. This interim decision will remain in force until an investigation is conducted by a person appointed by the litigants.

At the onset of today's hearing, the State Attorney's Office suggested that the investigation be made. Is this the way a state should act? First expel scores of families and then investigate whether the expulsion is justified? Who will compensate the evicted Palestinians for the terrible injustice they suffered?

B'Tselem welcomes the decision to return the hundreds of residents to their homes, and hopes that the abuse of these innocent persons by Civil Administration officials and local Israeli settlers will cease.