Deputy Chief Justice Michael Heshin gave a strong hint of his decision during this morning's hearing when he castigated the petitioners. He said that their website calls for a "physical struggle" against the destruction of their homes even as they seek legal redress from the Supreme Court. Heshin called this behavior "bordering on contempt of court."
For details and backgroun on the petition and the impending destruction, click here.
The residents themselves have explained over the past few days that their peaceful intentions are evidenced by the fact that, of their own volition, they sealed up the homes in dispute. In addition, the government has turned down requests to meet and speak with the residents.
It was announced today that the police and army plan to carry out their two scheduled evacuations and destructions in the following order: The 11 families living on Jewish-owned land in Hevron (in what was once an outdoor market place for Arab vendors following Jordan's capture of the area in 1948) on Tuesday, and the destruction of nine homes on duly-purchased land in Amona on Wednesday. Some 4,000 soldiers and 3,000 policemen have been allocated for the missions.
A letter drafted by MK Uri Ariel (National Union) on Thursday, and signed by leaders of the National Union and National Religious Party, called upon Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert not to carry out the above moves before the elections.
MK Ariel said that Likud leader Binyamin Netanyahu refused to sign the letter. "It is unfortunate that the Likud proves that it is not loyal to the Land of Israel at a critical moment," Ariel said. Arutz-7 asked the Likud Party spokesman Ronen Moshe why Netanyahu did not sign; Moshe said he would look into the matter, then later said, "No comment."
MK Ariel, asked what alternative now remains for those who support the settlement enterprise in Judea and Samaria, said, "A struggle."