The International Court of Justice, the top United Nations court, is set to issue a nonbinding advisory opinion on the legality of Israel's 57-year occupation of lands sought for a Palestinian state. This ruling, expected to be delivered on Friday, may have a significant impact on international opinion regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Israel captured the West Bank, east Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip during the 1967 Mideast war. While Israel considers the West Bank as disputed territory to be resolved through negotiations, the international community views all three areas as occupied territory. The Palestinians seek these territories for an independent state.
In February, the Palestinian Foreign Minister accused Israel of apartheid and urged the court to declare Israel's occupation illegal and demand its immediate cessation for any hope of a two-state solution. Israel, on the other hand, did not send a legal team to the hearings but submitted written comments arguing that the questions posed were biased and failed to address Israeli security concerns.
If the court rules against Israel, it may not lead to immediate policy changes but could further isolate Israel internationally. The ruling could also bolster efforts by groups advocating against Israeli occupation, such as the movement promoting boycotts, divestment, and sanctions.
Israel has faced previous legal challenges, including a ruling two decades ago that deemed its West Bank separation barrier as contrary to international law. The U.N. General Assembly's recent vote to seek an advisory opinion from the court was met with opposition from Israel.
Israel has expanded settlements in the West Bank, with over 100 settlements and a settler population exceeding 500,000. The government's annexation of east Jerusalem and discriminatory practices against Palestinian residents have drawn international criticism.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, influenced by settlers and their supporters, has pursued policies to solidify Israel's control over the West Bank. Recent approvals for new settlement construction and land appropriations have raised concerns about the prospects for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
