Of course, no one did. But I really do think this is a big mistake.
The Tel Aviv District Court reversed its earlier decision and agreed to allow American peace activist Anne Robinson-Petter into Israel under restricted conditions. The High Court of Justice meanwhile rejected the appeal by British journalist Peter Hounam against the Ministry of Interior's decision to bar him from entering the country.
Robinson-Petter, a 44-year-old graphic artist from New York, has been held in detention at Ben-Gurion International Airport for 28 days due to a "security risk" posed by her affiliation with the pro-Palestinian International Solidarity Movement (ISM).
Justice Oded Mudrik accepted Robinson-Petter's argument that she did not arrive in Israel to participate in hostile activities. Mudrik also ruled that the information in the hands of the Shin Bet security service was "convincing," but not sufficient to bar her from entering Israel.
According to Mudrik's ruling, Robinson-Petter will not be allowed to enter the Palestinian territories, approach the West Bank security fence or participate in anti-fence demonstrations. Robinson-Petter was also required to pay NIS 50,000 in bail on her release.
The prosecution is appealing the ruling.
