A group of settlers from the Migron outpost petitioned the High Court not to remove some of their homes, which were ruled illegal earlier this year, on the grounds that they legally purchased the plots of land from Palestinians.

Lawyer Ze'ev Scharf petitioned the court on behalf of the 34 settlers and their families. The petition said the land purchases were done in coordination with Al-Watan Inc., which was the official holder of the land purchased. According to the petition, since the lands were legally purchased there is no reason to demolish the homes built on them. The petitioners requested that the High Court issue an injunction preventing the evacuation of Migron until August 1, to give them time to verify their claim.

Supreme Court President Justice Asher Grunis ordered that the state respond to the petition by July 11. Grunis added that the court would then discuss the petition on July 15.

Peace advocacy group Peace Now first petitioned for the removal of the outpost in 2006. "The [settlers'] futile petition is just another attempt at pressuring the state attorney to delay the removal of the outpost," Peace Now director Yariv Oppenheimer said.

A spokesperson for Migron said the residents are sure "that the courts will prove us right."