Israeli Lawyer Calls for UN Action Against Israel, Clashes with Ambassador Danon
Israeli lawyer Itay Epshtain addressed the UN Security Council on Monday during the periodic review of Resolution 2334, which declares Israeli settlements illegal. In his speech, Epshtain sharply criticized Israel, endorsing the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion and urging the international community to take concrete measures against Israel. He called for ending Israel's presence in the occupied Palestinian territories, dismantling settlements, and avoiding cooperation with what he described as an illegal situation. Epshtain also accused Jerusalem of obstructing humanitarian efforts.
During the session, Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon confronted Epshtain, recalling that he had previously compared Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former US President Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler. Danon condemned Epshtain's statements as defamatory against IDF soldiers and accused him of being a partner in an international campaign aimed at harming Israel. Danon criticized the UN for giving a platform to individuals promoting legal and political campaigns against Israel while presenting them as "Israeli voices," arguing this undermines the UN's credibility.
Epshtain further elaborated on social media, stating that nearly ten years after Resolution 2334, the key issue is no longer whether settlements violate international law but whether states are willing to enforce legal consequences. He emphasized that the International Court of Justice confirmed Israel's continued presence in the occupied territories is illegal and outlined obligations for Israel, third-party states, and the UN to act beyond mere expressions of concern. These include non-recognition, non-assistance, and cooperation to end the illegal situation, as well as providing remedies to Palestinian victims, such as restoring previous conditions or compensating for damages.
He highlighted the humanitarian impact, noting that organizations like the Norwegian Refugee Council cannot assist communities at risk of forced displacement if their presence and operations are blocked. Epshtain concluded that international law is clear, the humanitarian consequences are evident, and only implementation remains.
The exchange underscores ongoing tensions at the UN over Israel's settlement policies and the international legal debate surrounding them, with Israel defending its actions and accusing critics of bias and delegitimization efforts.
