Cantor Statement on ICJ Ruling Against Israeli Security Fence

Cantor Statement on ICJ Ruling Against Israeli Security Fence
July 9, 2004

Washington, D.C. - Chief Deputy Majority Whip Eric Cantor (VA-07) released the following statement regarding the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling against the Israeli security fence:

"The ruling today by the International Court of Justice declaring the Israeli security fence a violation of international law is outrageous. This decision completely disregards the state of Israel's right to make its own decisions regarding national security and to deal with genuine threats to its very existence.

"The first responsibility of the Israeli government is the protection of its citizens from acts of terror. Since the completion of the northern section of the fence, homicide attacks have dropped by 90 percent in that region. The path to peace can only begin when the terrorist acts perpetrated by groups with direct ties to the Palestinian Authority end. The security fence is a necessary deterrent to terrorists.

"Yasser Arafat has made a conscience decision to achieve through terror what he could not achieve at the negotiating table. Illegitimate international interference into the Middle East peace process, such as the ruling by the ICJ, only helps to reinforce terrorists' belief that their tactics are succeeding.

"As the Middle East 's only established democracy, Israel has a right, like any other nation, to do what is necessary to protect its citizens against murder and violence. Any possible misguided U.N. attempt to sanction Israel for protecting her people and defend against terrorism must be met with worldwide condemnation."