Is Israel claim of bombing West Bank legitimate?
Introduction
Israel’s military operations in the occupied West Bank, particularly recent campaigns like Operation “Iron Wall” in Jenin, have drawn intense scrutiny under international law. While Israel justifies these actions as necessary counterterrorism measures, mounting evidence from international organizations, legal experts, and human rights groups challenges their legitimacy. Here’s a breakdown of key considerations:
Legal Framework
Law Enforcement vs. Conduct of Hostilities
Under international law, Israel’s status as an occupying power in the West Bank subjects its use of force to the stricter law enforcement paradigm (rooted in International Human Rights Law) rather than the more permissive rules of armed conflict (International Humanitarian Law). This requires lethal force only as a last resort to address imminent threats to life, alongside thorough investigations of civilian casualties.
Israel has increasingly employed airstrikes, drone attacks, and large-scale demolitions (e.g., 20 buildings destroyed in Jenin on February 2, 2025), tactics more aligned with wartime conduct. Legal experts argue these methods violate proportionality and necessity standards.
Civilian Harm and Indiscriminate Attacks
Recent operations have killed at least 27 Palestinians (including a 2-year-old girl) in Jenin alone since mid-January 2025, with over 880 Palestinian deaths in the West Bank since October 2023.
Amnesty International and the UN document cases of indiscriminate bombing and attacks on civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and refugee camps. For example, an October 2024 airstrike in Tulkarem killed 18 Palestinians, including non-combatants.
International Response
UN Experts
Condemn Israel’s “dangerous escalation” and demand troop withdrawal per ICJ orders.
ICJ/ICC
The ICJ’s 2024 advisory opinion reaffirmed Israel’s obligations under occupation law, while the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli officials over alleged war crimes.
Human Rights Groups
Document apartheid practices, settler violence, and systematic repression.
Key Incidents Highlighting Illegitimacy
Jenin Refugee Camp Operations (2025)
Over 15,000 Palestinians displaced.
Hospitals encircled, critical infrastructure (water, electricity) destroyed
Airstrike (October 2024)
Fighter jet strike killed 18, including a Hamas commander, but caused mass civilian casualties.
Settler Violence
State-backed attacks surged post-U.S. sanction removals, with settlers burning homes and mosques.
Conclusion
While Israel asserts its actions are legitimate counterterrorism, the scale of civilian harm, use of indiscriminate force, and systemic displacement align with breaches of international law.
Legal analyses stress that even under IHL’s conduct-of-hostilities rules, Israel’s tactics exceed permissible limits. The ICJ, UN, and human rights bodies consistently highlight a pattern of violations, undermining Israel’s legitimacy claims.
