The International Court of Justice has recognized Israel's policy of creating Jewish settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem as annexation. This is stated in the court decision.
According to the judges, the goal of Israel's policy is to remain in the West Bank as long as possible. These actions, according to the court, “tantamount to the annexation of a significant part of the occupied Palestinian territory.”
In addition, as the document says, there is “ample evidence that Israel is encouraging” its citizens to move to the West Bank , and also “legalizes outposts created contrary to domestic law.” This, according to the UN court, is accompanied by the confiscation of large tracts of land.
The decision calls Jewish settlements in the West Bank “illegal.” The court demanded that Israel withdraw from these territories “as soon as possible” and pay reparations.
Reuters notes that this UN court decision is not binding, but has significant weight in international law and could weaken support for Israel.
After the Six-Day War of 1967, the Palestinian National the administration controls only 11% of the West Bank. According to the UN, the rest of the West Bank is under Israeli military occupation. The latter's authorities do not recognize such terminology.