What are the legal consequences of Israel's occupation? | Inside Story

Summary

The UN General Assembly's resolution to seek an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on Israel's occupation of Palestine has sparked diverse reactions. Palestinians view it as a victory, while Israel condemns it as hypocritical. The resolution's potential impact on the ground and its implications for international law and peace talks are discussed, highlighting the challenges faced by both sides.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The U.N. General Assembly passed a resolution in 2022, calling on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to give an opinion on the legal consequences of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory, with 87 votes in favor, 26 against, and 53 abstentions.
• 🏛️ The ICJ's rulings are binding but not enforceable, and the court deals with disputes between states.
• 📢 Palestinian officials welcomed the U.N. decision, seeing it as evidence of global support for their rights and historical claims.
• 🔍 Hamas criticized the resolution, stating that past international decisions have not led to practical implementation on the ground, and accused the U.S. of supporting Israeli aggression.
• 🇮🇱 Israeli politicians, such as Knesset member Victor Liberman, condemned the U.N. decision as hypocritical and unjust, reflecting a broader denial of the occupation within Israel.
• 🤔 Israeli attorney Daniel Sidman argues that Israel is in denial about its occupation of Palestine, which is seen as a metastasizing issue that needs to be addressed.
• 🏙️ The resolution is seen as a test for the international system to clarify the facts on the ground and the legal obligations arising from Israel's occupation, potentially labeling it as a colonial enterprise.
• 🗳️ The vote breakdown indicates a potential shift in international sentiment, with some countries that have historically supported Israel abstaining or voting in favor of the resolution.
• 🔄 The new Israeli government under Benjamin Netanyahu, described as the most far-right in Israel's history, is expected to face challenges from this decision, potentially increasing instability.
• 🏛️ The ICJ's advisory opinion, once given, could lead to a push for countries to take action against Israel, such as sanctions or boycotts, if it is found to be in violation of international law.
• 🔎 The situation is compared to apartheid South Africa, where international resistance eventually gave way to support for dismantling the system, suggesting a potential future shift in attitudes towards Israel's occupation.

Q & A

What was the resolution passed by the U.N. General Assembly in 2022 regarding Israel's occupation of Palestine?

The U.N. General Assembly passed a resolution in 2022 calling on the International Court of Justice to give an opinion on the legal consequences of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory.

What was the vote count for the U.N. resolution on Israel's occupation of Palestine?

The resolution was supported by 87 votes, opposed by 26, with 53 abstentions.

How does the International Court of Justice (ICJ) function in relation to disputes between states?

The ICJ deals with disputes between states and its rulings are binding, but the court itself has no power to enforce them.

What is the stance of Palestinian officials on the U.N.'s decision to seek an ICJ opinion on Israel's occupation?

Palestinian officials have welcomed the U.N.'s decision, with a presidential spokesman stating that the vote is evidence of the world's support for the Palestinian people and their historical rights.

What is the view of the Hamas spokesman on the U.N. resolution and its potential impact on the ground?

The Hamas spokesman noted that the resolution is one of many decisions by international institutions that have not led to practical implementation on the ground, and criticized the U.S. for supporting Israel's aggression against Palestinians.

What was the reaction of Israeli politician Victor Liberman to the U.N. resolution?

Victor Liberman condemned the U.N. resolution as a despicable decision, calling it the epitome of hypocrisy and injustice, and expressed distrust in international institutions.

Why is Israel concerned about the U.N. General Assembly asking the ICJ for an advisory opinion on Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories?

Israel is concerned because many in Israel are in denial about the occupation, and the resolution forces Israel to confront the reality of its occupation and its implications.

What does the resolution potentially signify for the Palestinians in terms of international legal accountability?

The resolution signifies a consistent path of legal accountability for the Palestinians, using international legal tools to expose the political reality of Israel's occupation and its transformation into a colonial enterprise.

How did the breakdown of the voting in the U.N. reflect the international community's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

The breakdown of the voting showed a mix of support, opposition, and abstention, with some countries that Israel has been courting through the Abraham Accords voting for the resolution, indicating a potential shift in international sentiment.

What challenges does the resolution pose for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his new government?

The resolution poses challenges for Netanyahu's far-right government by compelling Israel to face the reality of its occupation and potentially leading to increased international pressure and scrutiny.

What are the potential outcomes of the ICJ's advisory opinion on Israel's occupation, and how might they impact Israel and the Palestinians?

The ICJ's advisory opinion could spell out the illegality of Israel's occupation and colonial practices, potentially leading to increased international pressure for sanctions, boycotts, and other actions against Israel, and further complicating the path to Palestinian self-determination.