Thread by @IDF

1/ The IDF International Conference on the Law of Armed Conflict began today. 150+ experts from 20+ states are attending. The 3 day conference focuses on topics regarding current challenges in LOAC, specifically fighting terror orgs in an urban environment & cyber ops.

2/ “The growing mesh btwn Hezbollah & Lebanon has legal significance. Last year, Hezbollah & its allies won many seats in Lebanon's parliament. It raises questions: is there a divide between the state of Lebanon & the terrorist org? What is Lebanon's role in a future conflict?”

3/ Some challenges aren’t limited to Israel’s borders: The UNHRC set up a commission of inquiry into Israel on the Gaza border events. "The report is deficient & flawed- on the law, on the facts, & in its methodology. Hamas, PA, & others know this, so they push for & support it."

4/ Re ICC: "Israel's position is that the International Criminal Court doesn’t have jurisdiction on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Even if it did, Israel is a law-abiding state with a strong & independent justice system. Israel's actions aren’t relevant subjects for the ICC."

5/ The embedding of terrorists within civilian areas is an operational tactic used by terror groups. "While they attack Israeli civilians intentionally, we do all that we can to precisely pick the militants and their assets and to strike them without hurting civilians."

6/ General Counsel to US @DeptofDefense: “Discussions on the law of war also need to be led by states, like Israel and others represented here, that are deeply committed to the rule of law and will adhere in good faith to their legal obligations."

7/ “Like the US, Israel is not a party to the Rome Statute. Like the US, Israel possesses a robust civil & military justice system. As with the US, the @IntlCrimCourt ignored the principle of consent to jurisdiction & engaged in an illegitimate effort to review Israeli actions.”

8/ “No matter the ICC’s actions, as @AmbJohnBolton has stated, “The United States will always stand with our friend and ally, Israel.”