(IMRA) Hebrew University international law expert Dr. Robbie Sabel discussed the legality of the IDF action in international waters. He explained that a state, in time of conflict, can impose an embargo, and while it cannot carry out embargo activities in the territorial waters of a third party, it can carry out embargo activities in international waters. Within this framework it is legal to detain a civilian vessel trying to break an embargo, and if in the course of detaining the vessel, force is used against the forces carrying out the detention, then that force has every right to act in self-defense. Sabel noted that there is a long history of embargo activities in international waters.
2010-05-31 09:51:52Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive