The Applicability of the Laws of War to Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) and to the Gaza Strip

Abstract

In her instructive article, Professor Lapidoth discussed, inter alia, the applicability of the laws of war to the territories administered by the Israel Defence Forces since the Six Day War of 1967. Being in full agreement with Professor Lapidoth that from the legal standpoint the situation is in need of improvement, I wish to deal more extensively with two questions: (1) What is the position of the Government of Israel regarding the applicability to Judea and Samaria and to the Gaza Strip of the Hague Regulations of 1907 respecting the Laws and Customs of War on Land, and of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War? (2) What is the position of the Supreme Court with regard to the applicability of the Regulations and the Convention to these territories.