The Green Line was drawn on a map between the armies participating in the war of 1948. It was not intended, at the time, to be a permanent border.
I feel I have always thought of it as bearing legal weight. For years, I have read about Israel's pre-1967 borders, politicians and writers rabbit on about Israel withdrawing to behind the Green Line....
Then I was driven down it. In the car, we were having a discussion about the situation of Occupied Jerusalem. Then the guide pointed out that THIS is the Green Line.
To the right, there is the Old City of Jerusalem. We are looking towards occupied East Jerusalem.
The tramway and the road follow the Green Line.
Again, the reality of the occupation is less spectacular than I expected, but also less opposable.
The fait accompli here is impressive, it is hard to imagine that this road could become an international border. The talk of returning to pre-1967 borders seems fantastical.
Of course, this infrastructure on occupied land is illegal under international law, and constitutes a war crime.
So when one is using this tramway is one aiding and abetting war criminals?
We are complicit; but everyday reality crushes such abstract considerations .
On the illegality of constructions and investment in the colonies:
