Israel calls International Court of Justice action a “farce” but will make its case formally Friday

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague today heard a case brought by South Africa against Israel, accusing it of genocide in Gaza. This landmark case has drawn significant international attention and reactions from various countries and organizations.

Israel’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has vehemently denied the allegations, labeling South Africa’s application as “blood libel.” They argue that the claim lacks factual and legal basis and constitutes an exploitation of the Court. Israeli diplomats have been instructed to seek support against South Africa’s case in their host countries. The UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron has expressed that he does not find the ICJ case helpful, aligning with Israel’s stance.

The United States has also dismissed South Africa’s application as meritless and counterproductive. The National Security Council and the US State Department have both stated that they have not observed acts constituting genocide by Israel, and they view the ICJ case as unproductive. This move by South Africa is seen as an escalation of its longtime critical stance towards Israel’s actions.

80% of Gaza civilians supported the genocidal acts against Jews on 10/7.

Thousands of Gaza “civilians” slaughtered, raped, and beheaded innocent Jewish civilians, in their homes.

250 Jewish babies, children, women, men, and elderly were kidnapped from their homes.

Yet,… pic.twitter.com/o4kExDSB8D

— Era Gigman (@idan_bg) January 11, 2024

The Third World and Islamic parties to the Genocide Convention, including Bangladesh, Bolivia, Jordan, Malaysia, the Maldives, Pakistan, Palestine, Turkey, Namibia, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, have expressed support for South Africa’s application. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry and the rest of the Ignorant World has welcomed the suit, urging the court to take immediate action to “protect” the Palestinian people and to halt what they refer to as Israel’s “onslaught”.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation and France’s UN ambassador have also shown their backing, emphasizing support for the ICJ and its decisions.

The case has placed the spotlight on Israeli authorities and Palestinian terror groups for their roles in the hostilities. Human Rights Watch has reported serious abuses committed by both sides. Israel’s actions, such as cutting off essential supplies to Gaza’s population and restricting humanitarian aid, have been criticized as collective punishment and war crimes, usually by supporters of Hamas.

The ICJ’s decision on provisional measures, which are legally binding but do not prejudge the merits of the allegations, is anticipated to be delivered soon, perhaps within days. This decision could have significant implications for Israel, particularly in terms of international relations and legal obligations. The recommendation the ICJ makes would likely be taken up by the UN General Assembly and Security Council. In the latter, Israel might enjoy some protection by virtue of the vetoes wielded by the US and possibly. UK.

South Africa’s decision to bring this case to the ICJ is seen as part of its broader political stance, often viewed as a pushback against Western imperialism and a reflection of its historical experiences with apartheid. The basis for South Africa’s genocide accusation draws from various sources, including news reports and statements by Israeli leaders. However, proving the specific intent required for a genocide charge remains a significant legal challenge. Cases can go on for years, potentially exposing Israel, its citizens and soldiers, vulnerable to pursuit and sanctions.

South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) stated that Israel has failed to prevent genocide and has not prosecuted the incitement to genocide, particularly since October 7, 2023. As absurd as all this sounds, the South Africans seem bent on an anti-Israel and anti-Semitic course. This stance aligns with South Africa’s long-standing support for the Palestinian cause for statehood, drawing parallels between the Palestinians’ situation and the apartheid era in South Africa, a comparison Israel strongly denies.

Israel, meanwhile is indignantly defending its actions, while Likud MK Boaz Bizmuth called the ICJ a “farce.” Israelis point out that the war was triggered by a cross-border attack and massacre by Hamas Islamist militants and Gaza civilians on October 7, leading to a three month plus military response that involved an air and land assault.

Israel disputes the Palestinian casualty figures and emphasizes its efforts to minimize harm to non-combatants. The Israeli government also accuses Hamas of bearing full moral responsibility for the conflict and using civilian infrastructure for military purposes. Furthermore, Israel, not being a member of the ICC, rejects its jurisdiction over the matter.