Netanyahu’s Visit to Congress Underscores US Contempt for International Law

U.S. Congress extends warm welcome to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , just five days after the ICJ issued its decision.

The World Court’s historic 83 -page advisory opinion was issued on July 19 and held that the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory is illegal.

Israel has occupied West Bank , Gaza and East Jerusalem since it illegally seized them in 1967 .

Israel ’s role is as “administrator and usufructuary of natural resources” and it must “safeguard the capital” of those resources.

Israel has a continuing duty to ensure adequate food and water to the occupied people.

The court also found that the maintenance and expansion of settlements constitute illegal annexation of large portions of the occupied Palestinian territory.

All states and the UN must distinguish in dealings with Israel between the territory of Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.

States are also forbidden from recognizing “any changes in the physical character or demographic composition, institutional structure or status” of the Palestinian territory. States must also abstain from diplomatic relations with Israel , and economic or trade dealings or investments that may entrench Israel ’s unlawful presence.