Fischer criticizes Israeli fence

German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer openly criticized the Israeli security wall in West Jordan saying that while Israel has the right to defend its citizens from terrorist attacks, he is critical of the route the fence is taking. Fischer made the comments after talks with Israeli Justice Minister Yosef Lapid in Berlin. Lapid insisted the barrier was needed for security purposes and rejected the right of the International Criminal Court in the Hague to rule on whether the fence was legal. Fischer agreed, adding it would not be beneficial to take the issue of the fence to the Hague when the matter could be resolved politically.