Controversial UN expert: If talks fail, Hague should opine on Israel

UNITED NATIONS — The UN’s expert on human rights in the Palestinian territories says that if renewed peace talks fail, the General Assembly should seek an opinion from the International Court of Justice on the legal consequences of Israel’s occupation of land claimed by the Palestinians.

If the assembly ever approved such a resolution, Israel would be highly unlikely to accept any ruling by the Hague-based court.

Special rapporteur Richard Falk made the recommendation to the General Assembly’s human rights committee on Tuesday. He called Israel’s occupation “an affront to international law.”

Falk has been consistently castigated by the Israelis for his reports. The US questioned his capability to serve as rapporteur earlier this year after Falk made provocative remarks about terrorism.

Falk has defended himself saying he is only doing his job.

Israeli did not have any delegate speak at Tuesday’s committee meeting. Israel’s UN Mission had no immediate comment.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.