Israel's Immediate Exit From Palestine Pose Security Risks: US Warns ICJ

US argued at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that Israel's immediate withdrawal from the occupied Palestinian territories raises Israeli security concerns.

The United States presented its arguments to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Wednesday and urged against ordering Israel's immediate withdrawal from the occupied Palestinian territories. The US, which is Israel's strongest supporter, asserted that any resolution to the conflict must consider Israel's security concerns.

Richard Visek, acting legal adviser at the US State Department told the court in The Hague: “Any movement towards Israel’s withdrawal from the West Bank and Gaza requires consideration for Israel’s very real security needs”. Visek stated that security concerns such as those of October 7 still persist, the Reuters reported.

“We were all reminded of those security needs on October 7, and they persist. Regrettably those needs have been ignored by many of the participants” the report quoted him.

In 2022, the United Nations General Assembly requested the UN court to provide a non-binding opinion on the legal ramifications of the Israeli occupation. While the court was not asked to issue an opinion about the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the occupied territories, many states participating in the hearings have called on Israel to do so. These hearings could increase political pressure on Israel over the war in Gaza, which has killed about 29,000 Palestinians, as per Gaza’s health minister. The war began after Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

While presenting the US' argument, Visek asserted that both the UN Security Council and General Assembly had outlined a peaceful resolution through negotiations. This would primarily entail land in exchange for peace. Visek insisted wasn’t ruling out the role of the ICJ in this conflict, but is appealing to the court to “carefully calibrate its advice” with consideration for the eventual need for a negotiated solution, according to The Guardian.

Russia Calls For Termination

Meanwhile, Russia's ambassador to the Netherlands, Vladimir Tarabrin, has urged Israel to terminate the occupation and adhere to United Nations Security Council resolutions aimed at achieving a two-state solution.

Over 50 states are presenting their arguments before the judges during the 6-day hearing. The ICJ's 15-judge panel has been asked to review Israel's 57-year occupation of lands designated for Palestine. The judges are anticipated to take approximately six months to deliver their opinion on the request. This request also seeks their consideration of the legal status of the occupation and its implications for states involved.