Jewish settlers can move into the so-called Peace House in Hebron, Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon said.

Yaalon gave his approval April 13 for Jewish families to move into the four-story building, which has been at the center of controversy for at least seven years.

Israel’s Supreme Court last month reaffirmed the legality of the 2007 purchase of the home by Jews. The Palestinian former owners of the home claimed there had not been a legal sale.

Several Jewish families who moved into the home after its purchase were removed from the property in 2008 by hundreds of Israeli police and soldiers. Yaalon’s approval was the last hurdle that allowed Jews to move back. — jta