Forum withdraws petition against giving Sergei Courtyard to Russia

By JPOST.COM STAFF
The Legal Forum for the Land of Israel on Sunday withdrew a petition it had filed with the High Court of Justice against the government's decision to transfer ownership of Sergei's Courtyard in downtown Jerusalem to the Russian government. The petition was filed on the grounds that a caretaker government cannot make such a far-reaching move. High Court judges advised the forum to withdraw the petition after the Attorney General's Office presented evidence it said proved that "the transfer of ownership to Russia is essential to Israel's diplomatic ties." The judges stressed they had been presented with confidential documents they said provided evidence supporting the government's decision and showed the move was necessary for Israel's foreign affairs.