Although an overwhelming majority of Israelis accept the need for a security fence, only a minority, according to polls, believe that it should go through Palestinian territory. Some would prefer it to follow the Green Line. Yet Silvan Shalom and the Palestinians are silent on this option. Each suicide bombing prolongs the occupation. Any cessation of violence – even if induced by the fence – could mean a resurgence of political discourse.Instead, we have the theatre of the ICJ in The Hague and the prospect of another futile megaphone war between Israelis and Palestinians. This is why almost 30 countries, including South Africa and France, have criticised the Palestinian campaign to bring the issue to The Hague.
Dr Colin Shindler
Soas, University of London
Guardian 4 February 2004