The United States criticizes the statement of the UN court on Israel’s occupation

On Friday, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in an advisory opinion that Israel’s occupation of the West Bank is illegal.

Israel must end its presence in the occupied Palestinian territories as soon as possible, according to the statement.

The United States, which is considered Israel’s leading supporter internationally, claims that the statement might put a damper on efforts to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Asked for caution statement

Advisory opinions from the ICJ in The Hague are not binding, but are nevertheless given great weight.

In advance, the US had asked the ICJ to come up with a cautious statement that does not entail an order for Israeli withdrawal from the Palestinian territories. On Saturday, the US claims that the withdrawal statement is not in line with the established framework for resolving the conflict.

The US also warns once morest using the UN court’s statement as a pretext for actions that create further discord.

Obliges all countries

However, the US State Department states that they “have been clear that Israel’s system of state support for settlements is both inconsistent with international law and an obstacle to peace”.

In the statement on Saturday, the ICJ also stated that all countries in the world are obliged to conform to international law and distinguish between Israeli and Palestinian territories.

The Palestinian Authority referred to Friday as a great day for Palestine. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that “the Jewish people are not an occupier in their own land.”

Eide: Clear message to Israel

Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide (Ap) said on Friday that the statement is very powerful.

– This is a clear and unequivocal message to Israel, which we expect them to comply with immediately, said Barth Eide in an email to NTB.

It was the UN General Assembly that in 2022 asked the ICJ to assess the legality of Israel’s “long-term occupation, settlement and annexation” of Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem.

These areas have been occupied since 1967, and Israel has since established settlements that today house around 700,000 Israelis.

Support from the EU

The EU also commented on the ICJ statement on Saturday. The Union’s head of foreign affairs says that it is largely in line with the EU’s position.

– In a world with constant and increasing violations of international law, it is our moral duty to confirm our unwavering commitment to follow all the decisions of the ICJ, says foreign affairs manager Josep Borrell.