International Law Review

International Law Review

Territory, Jus ad Bellum: The Status of the Golan Heights in Light of the 2024 ICJ Advisory Opinion

Document Type : academic

Authors
Ali Masoudian 1
Sahar Khoshdel 2
1 PhD Student of Public International Law, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran
2 Master of Public International Law, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
10.22066/cilamag.2024.2028027.2556
Abstract
This article examines the application of Articles 2(4) and 51 of the UN Charter in relation to Israel’s claim of sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Israel has cited historical Jewish rule and invoked “defensive conquest” to justify its position. However, this interpretation misrepresents the non-use of force principle. The article references relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and treaty interpretation rules, emphasizing a strict application of international law, which Israel has overlooked. The UN Charter’s main purpose of maintaining international peace supports this strict interpretation. Consequently, the notion of defensive conquest violates Article 2(4) and customary international law. Additionally, the article discusses the 2024 International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion, which reaffirmed the illegality of Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights and highlighted the prohibition of acquiring territory by force, as established by the UN Charter.
Keywords
Golan Heights
Jus ad Bellum
Occupation
Self defence
Use of Force

Subjects

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  • Receive Date 03 May 2024
  • Revise Date 23 October 2024
  • Accept Date 26 October 2024