Israeli Supreme Court rejects petitions against Gaza pullout News
Israeli Supreme Court rejects petitions against Gaza pullout

[JURIST] Israel's Supreme Court [official English site] Monday dismissed an attempt by Jewish settlers to bar legislation enabling the government to accomplish its withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. The settlers filed eight petitions challenging the Evacuation Compensation bill, ratified in February, which provides government compensation for the 8,500 Israelis who are to be evacuated in an Israeli attempt to disengage from conflict with Palestinians. "After a review of the material, we determine by majority opinion that there is no room to issue the interim injunctions that have been sought," the court said in its decision. The evacuation is set to begin July 20, although Prime Minister Ariel Sharon [BBC profile] indictated on Monday that he may delay withdrawal by three weeks due to a Jewish mourning period [BBC report]. Reuters has more on the Supreme Court decision.