Richard Falk made the recommendation to the General Assembly's human rights committee on Tuesday.

He said if renewed peace talks fail, the General Assembly should seek an opinion from the International Court of Justice on the legal consequences of Israel's occupation of land claimed by the Palestinians.

If the assembly ever approved such a resolution, Israel would be highly unlikely to accept any ruling by the Hague-based court. However, he called Israel's occupation "an affront to international law."

Falk has been consistently castigated by the Israelis for his reports. The US, as a main ally to Israeli regime, questioned his capability to serve as rapporteur earlier this year after Falk made remarks about terrorism.

Falk has defended himself saying he is only doing his job based on the realities on the ground.

Israel did not have any delegate speak at Tuesday's committee meeting. Israel's UN Mission had no immediate comment.

NTJ/BA