The state on Tuesday asked the High Court of Justice for a three-month extension to carry out the eviction of the Netiv Haavot outpost in Judea.
The court ordered the eviction of 15 homes in the outpost in 2016. The ruling stated that the homes must be demolished by March 6, as they are partially or completely built on private Palestinian lands.
In addition, the state asked the court to legalize six homes built partly on private lands. The High Court, however, has denied similar requests in the past, lowering expectations it will comply with the motion.
The state explained that it was seeking a commitment from the families that they will leave their home in a peaceful manner and will not resist the move in a violent manner.
The state 's motion included statements signed by the families that are facing eviction, saying, "Out of respect for Israeli soldiers and out of the responsibility to educate our children not to resort to any resistance or violence, we will, with a heavy heart, vacate our homes and refuse to allow those opposing it [the eviction] to enter our homes, as much as we are able."
The statement said the residents' pledge was not conditional on the High Court's ruling on the state's motion for an extension, and that the families would abide the court regardless of what it decides.
The state's motion noted that "the state has yet to complete all the necessary procedures needed to empower the authorities charged with ensuring a peaceful eviction that will minimize the effects on the residents.
"A peaceful eviction is greatly in the public's interest and its importance cannot be overstated," the state said.
After the request was submitted, the residents said in a statement that they were forced to "sign the document for the demolition to be postponed and stop 15 families with 62 children from being left behind without shelter. The Netanyahu government has sunk to new lows in its mishandling of the settlement enterprise in general and Netiv Haavot in particular."
"We hope the government will come to its senses and stand by its promises to legalize Netiv Haavot and allow an urban construction project for 350 housing units," the statement said, further expressing hope that "the High Court of Justice will approve the motion and not leave us and our children without shelter, as was the case for previous evacuees."
The left-wing group Peace Now called the state's motion "imprudent," saying that the court "gave the government a year and a half to prepare for the eviction, but the government did not do a thing to be ready on time. The landowners have been waiting for 17 years to return to their lands and they have had enough of delays and promises."
