Foreign Minister Israel Katz responded forcefully to recent developments at the UN regarding the Palestinians and the ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague concerning the territories. In a discussion last week ahead of the expected vote at the General Assembly on a Palestinian resolution to enforce the ICJ’s ruling, Katz emphasized Israel’s firm stance: “If the Palestinians break the rules at the General Assembly, we will break the Palestinian Authority and dismantle it,” Katz declared unequivocally.
The Palestinian draft submitted to the UN, based on the ICJ ruling, calls for an Israeli withdrawal from the territories within six months, an end to settlements, and the return of Palestinians to their lands. Additionally, it urges countries worldwide to refrain from legally recognizing Israel’s presence in the Palestinian territories and to halt arms transfers to Israel if there is a suspicion they might be used in these areas. The vote on this draft is expected to be a significant test for Israel’s diplomatic relations on the international stage.
Katz emphasized that Israel is preparing to use all available tools to block the vote and prevent the implementation of the resolutions if passed. He noted that Israel is considering a package of graduated punitive measures against the Palestinian Authority, depending on the severity of the Palestinian actions. “If the Palestinian Authority acts against Israel in blatant violation of its commitments under the interim agreements, Israel will act in kind,” Katz clarified during the discussion.
Israel’s determined actions come in response to a dramatic ruling by the ICJ, which declared that Israel’s settlement project is illegal and called for Israel to evacuate the settlements as soon as possible. This is the first time since the 1967 Six-Day War that the court has ruled that Israel’s occupation of the territories is illegal, and that Israel may even face accusations of annexation and apartheid.
However, Israel emphasizes its commitment to defending its security and historical rights while maintaining negotiations with the Palestinians under terms that respect its interests. The steps the Palestinians are advancing could lead to severe consequences for the Palestinian Authority itself, as Katz warned during the discussion: “If the Authority acts against Israel in violation of its commitments, Israel will act similarly and take harsh measures.”
Ultimately, these decisions may test international agreements and impact future diplomatic moves in the region. According to Katz, Israel is preparing for any scenario and continues to formulate its actions in line with the complex reality developing at the UN.
