The historic decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) stating that settlements in the West Bank and Jerusalem are a violation of Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention is having wide-reach ramifications in Israel according to the Quds News Network.
The ICJ resolution stipulates now the Israeli occupation’s continued control of the occupied Palestinian territories after 1967 is “illegitimate,” and must end with Palestinians compensate for their losses, land returned and Israel must desist its expansionist settlement activities.
The decision sparked strong reactions in the occupation government with Israeli ministers showed their anger. A statement from the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated: “The legitimacy of the settlements in the West Bank and Jerusalem cannot be questioned.”
Netanyahu described the court’s decision as “false”, insisting that “any international resolution cannot cast doubt on the legitimacy of Israeli settlements in the West Bank.”
Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir, said: “The recent decision proved for the umpteenth time that the International Court of Justice is political and clearly anti-Semitic organization, and we will not accept moral preaching from it, as the time for rule and sovereignty has come.”
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on his account on the “X” platform the response to the court’s decision in The Hague would be to annex the West Bank.
Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan said his country must now take “unprecedented measures” against the UN and its institutions.
He called for the closure of the UN offices in the occupied city of Jerusalem and the expulsion of its officials. He added, “The resolution is non-binding and Israel will work to empty it of its content while emphasizing the lack of its consequences on the ground.”
However, Israeli analysts and journalists in warned of the repercussions of the decision. Journalist Ben-Dror Yamini said in an article on “Maariv” the Court’s decision represents “a tremendous achievement for the movement to boycott Israel.”
He said the decision has been “the most difficult on the way,” stressed its “of great importance” as “it is a tremendous achievement for the anti-Israel campaign.” He continued: “Many companies are already avoiding cooperation with Israel, and this may increase now.”
He added that the policies of the Netanyahu government are “turnning Israel into a pariah state.”
Tova Tsimoki, a judicial affairs analyst for the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper said: “The court’s statement that the Israeli occupation of the West Bank is illegal and countries must recognize it as so, may provide support for these countries and international bodies to impose against Israel.
The decision could affect the settlement expansions taking place in the occupied West Bank and the city of Jerusalem, in addition to influencing settlement policies there.
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