TEL AVIV, February 19. /TASS/. Israel does not recognize the legitimacy of proceedings at the Hague-based International Court of Justice dedicated to the situation in the Palestinian territories, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement.

"Israel does not recognize the legitimacy of the proceedings of the international court in The Hague regarding 'the legality of the occupation' - which are an effort designed to infringe on Israel's right to defend itself against existential threats. The proceedings in The Hague are part of the Palestinian attempt to dictate the results of the diplomatic settlement without negotiations. We will continue to reject this," the statement reads. "The government and the Knesset (Israel’s parliament - TASS) are united in rejecting this unacceptable course of action," the prime minister’s office added.

In December 2022, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution based on which the UN International Court of Justice was requested to issue an advisory opinion on the legal consequences of Israel’s policy and practices in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem. The hearings are being held on February 19-26. The court will listen to the interested parties before giving its opinion. In total, more than 50 countries and three international organizations will present their arguments before the court. The court's advisory opinion, which is not binding, is expected to be issued before the end of the year.