Is Israel’s Security Barrier Illegal?

In short, no. Israel’s security barrier is a legal, legitimate, and effective defensive measure implemented primarily to prevent Palestinian terrorist attacks on Israeli civilians. Israel’s Supreme Court has withheld that it is legal, and has even ordered alterations to minimize any kind of negative impact on Palestinians.

The barrier’s construction began in 2002 in response to the Second Intifada, during which over 1,000 Israelis were killed and thousands more injured by Palestinian suicide bombers and other terrorists. The primary purpose of the barrier is to stop Palestinian terrorists from infiltrating Israel and carrying out attacks. Its effectiveness is evident in the significant reduction of successful terrorist operations since its implementation. Unfortunately, the October 7th, 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel shows that the barrier isn’t foolproof, but does make one question the consequences of having no barrier at all.

Israel, just like every state, has the right to defend its sovereign borders.

Sources:

https://www.adl.org/resources/backgrounder/security-barrier

https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/background-and-overview-of-israel-s-security-fence