What’s Happening

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague recently concluded a series of hearings that assessed Israel’s security measures and governance in West Bank and East Jerusalem. The discussions attracted commentary from various nations and emerged in the backdrop of a request by the UN General Assembly aimed at reviewing these policies under international law.

Why It Matters

Israel’s approach to ensuring its national security and the steps it takes to maintain stability for its citizens, while navigating a path towards peace with the Palestinians, remain critical to understanding the complex dynamics in the region. The ICJ’s non-binding advisory process, though significant, underscores the complexities of achieving lasting solutions through unilateral interpretations of international legal frameworks without addressing the wide range of security concerns faced by Israel.

Key Voices of Moderation and Security

Fiji, representing a stance of caution and pragmatism, argued against the UN’s request for the ICJ’s opinion, drawing attention to the grave security implications proven by past events, such as the horrific Hamas attacks from Gaza that led to significant loss of innocent lives. This viewpoint illuminates the risk Israel faces if it were to withdraw without solid guarantees for its security.

The United States echoed this need for caution, emphasizing that the decades-long complex Israeli-Palestinian conflict cannot be effectively addressed through advisory opinions that focus solely on one party’s actions. This stance calls for a comprehensive approach to peace and security, respecting the multilateral peace agreements and efforts already in place.

Israel’s Position

Israel, while choosing not to participate in the oral proceedings, submitted a detailed document stating the basis of its security measures and the inherent responsibilities it holds towards protecting its citizens. Israel also critiqued the framing of the court’s questions as biased, underscoring the need for political resolution rather than judicial decrees, to address the intricacies of Israel-Palestinian relations.

The long-held position that peace and security measures, including the governance of East Jerusalem and West Bank, are best resolved through direct negotiations aligns with multiple UN resolutions and Israeli-Palestinian agreements.

Security Measures as Self-Defense

Israel’s security barriers and checkpoints, often the subject of international scrutiny, form a critical part of its strategy to safeguard its population against terrorism and violent attacks. With painful memories from the Second Intifada, where Israel faced appalling terror attacks, these measures have significantly reduced the incidence of violence, thus enhancing the safety of its population.

Looking Ahead

While the ICJ prepares to issue its advisory opinion, it’s clear that the sustained safety and stability for both Israelis and Palestinians hinges on addressing the root causes of the conflict, ensuring security for Israel from non-state terror actors, and fostering a renewed commitment to bilateral negotiations. The goal remains the achievement of a lasting peace that ensures the well-being and security of all parties involved.

This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.