Abstract
Israel's construction of a 670 kilometre wall and barrier through the West Bank and East Jerusalem has generated international political controversy, and two significant judicial rulings. In July 2004, the International Court of Justice issued its Advisory Opinion to the United Nations General Assembly, stating that the Separation Wall violated international human rights and humanitarian law, and proposing that Israel immediately dismantle it, with reparations to its victims. The week before, the Israeli Supreme Court released its decision in Beit Sourik Village Council vs Israel, finding that the Wall complied in principle with legal norms, but portions of it must be re-located to reduce avoidable harm to Palestinian villages. This article critically assesses the two decisions against the requirements of international law. It also tracks the response of the international community to Israel's continued construction of the Wall in the aftermath of these two judicial rulings.