Israeli court backs settlement fence

Israel’s High Court of Justice ruled that security fences around two West Bank settlements may be built on land owned by Palestinians. In a ruling Thursday, the court rejected a petition opposing the construction of a fence adjacent to the settlements of Avnei Hefetz and Einav Hashomron, according to Ha’aretz. The petition was submitted by 10 Palestinians representing three villages. The court ruled that the fence, a section of which was converted to an electronic barrier that presents no physical obstacle, is necessary for the Jewish communities’ security needs.