ICJ Rules Israel’s Occupation of Palestine is “Unlawful” and Must End

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a ruling on Friday declaring that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories violates international law and that all settlements there should be withdrawn as soon as possible. Though the order is the strongest condemnation against Israel to date by the United Nations’ top court and may weaken support for the Jewish nation internationally, the ruling is non-binding, meaning Israel is unlikely to abide by the order.

According to the ICJ’s 15-judge panel, Israel has abused its status as an occupying power in the West Bank and East Jerusalem by annexing territory, imposing permanent control, and building settlements in violation of international law. “The transfer by Israel of settlers to the West Bank and Jerusalem as well as Israel’s maintenance of their presence, is contrary to article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention,” the court noted, further arguing that Israel’s use of natural resources is “inconsistent” with its legal obligations.

“The Jewish people are not occupiers in their own land, including in our eternal capital Jerusalem nor in Judea and Samaria, our historical homeland,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. “No absurd opinion in the Hague can deny this historical truth or the legal right of Israelis to live in their own communities in our ancestoral home.”