The Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICAHD) deplores and denounces the decision of the Netanyahu government to resume the demolition of homes of those “suspected or convicted of involvement in terrorism and other violence.” All house demolitions in the Palestinian occupied territories “are war crimes, but the demolition of homes of innocent family members of people accused of crimes constitutes collective punishment, an additional war crime.”

Caterpillar bulldozers are seen demolishing a residential home in the Jabal Mukabbir neighborhood in east Jerusalem, May 21, 2013. The home was demolished on the grounds that it was built without a “legal building permit” (Photo: Activestills)

Punitive demolitions were ended in 2005 after the Israeli army itself concluded that they not only failed to deter attacks, but actually had the opposite effect. Israeli government statements regarding its intention to resume such demolitions expose the complete absence of the rule of law under Israel’s occupation. More, it signals the replacement of policy — not to mention any attempt to achieve a just peace — with a vicious atavism. Revenge, demonization and absolute disregard for the lives and rights of the Palestinians under its control now defines Israeli activities in the occupied Palestinian territories. This is a clear violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which holds Israel accountable for the well-being of the Palestinian population under its rule.

ICAHD calls on the government of Israel not only to reconsider its decision to use house demolitions as collective punishment, but to end all demolitions. Until it does, the international community must assume its responsibility to protect people living under Israel’s occupation.