Israel challenges ICJ right to rule on barrier

By: Ahmad Hammadi

HELD JERUSALEM: The Israeli government on Friday has formally challenged the International Court of Justice's right to rule on the legality of a barrier, a 440-mile network of fences, walls, trenches and razor wire, it is building in the West Bank.

After Israel filed its affidavit, a Foreign Ministry official said: “We believe the court should not and cannot deal with this political issue, which has to be dealt with by direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.”

But the Palestinian Authority insisted the Hague-based ICJ had full jurisdiction and said Israel was trying to politicize the case and perpetuate the “occupation of 3.5 million Palestinians against their will.”

The tribunal, also known as the World Court, begins deliberations on the project on February 23 in response to a UN General Assembly request to rule whether Israel is legally obliged to tear down the barrier.

The court has authorized the 22-member Arab League to take part in the proceedings in support of the Palestinians.

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