UN's International Court Declares Israel's Presence in East Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria 'Unlawful'

The International Court of Justice (ICJ), an arm of the United Nations known for its anti-Israel stance, ruled on Friday that Israel’s presence in the biblical regions of Judea and Samaria is “unlawful,” and that Israeli settlements in these areas, as well as in East Jerusalem, violate international law. This decision, delivered by ICJ President Nawaf Salam of Lebanon, reflects the court's consistent bias against Israel.

In his opinion, Salam, who has previously expressed disdain for Israel, stated, “The West Bank and East Jerusalem are occupied territories in which Israel has status of occupying Power.” This ruling comes despite Israel's ongoing security challenges, including the October 7 attack by Hamas that resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and decades of violent conflicts initiated by Arab states and Palestinian terrorists.

The ICJ criticized Israel's actions, claiming, “Israel’s systematic failure to prevent or punish attacks by settlers against the life or bodily integrity of Palestinians, as well as Israel’s excessive use of force against Palestinians, is inconsistent with its obligations.” The court’s statement notably ignores numerous instances where Palestinians have carried out brutal attacks against Israelis.

Among the tragic incidents in Judea and Samaria:

• In March 2011, 12-year-old Tamar Fogel discovered her murdered family members in Itamar, victims of Palestinian terrorists linked to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP).

• In 2014, Israeli teens Eyal Yifrach, Gilad Shaer, and Naftali Fraenkel were kidnapped and murdered by Palestinian terrorists while hiking in Gush Etzion.

• In April 2023, Rina Dee, 15, Maia Dee, 20, and their mother Lucy were shot and killed by Palestinian terrorists in the northern Jordan Valley. Hamas later praised the attackers.

Since the October 7 attack by Hamas, Palestinian terrorists in Judea and Samaria have killed five Israelis and injured many others. According to Rescuers Without Borders, between October 7 and January 15, there were over 2,600 attacks on Israeli civilians and soldiers, including 760 rock-throwing incidents, 551 fire bombings, 12 stabbings, and nine vehicular assaults.

The ICJ further asserted, “Israel’s occupation has lasted for more than 57 years,” and condemned Israel’s treatment of East Jerusalem, alleging that Israel’s policies amount to the annexation of large parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Responding to the ICJ's ruling, Israeli Ambassador to the U.N., Danny Danon, denounced the court: “The ICJ has long been a political circus, and today is a stronghold of Hamas supporters.”

Israel’s historical claim to Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria dates back thousands of years, with King David establishing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. These areas are central to Jewish history and religious tradition, unlike coastal areas such as Tel Aviv.

The ICJ's decision underscores its longstanding bias, failing to acknowledge Israel’s legitimate security concerns and historical ties to the land.

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