Israel warns US Congress on South Africa’s genocide case at ICJ

Israeli officials are actively lobbying U.S. lawmakers to exert pressure on South Africa to withdraw its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This case, filed in December, accuses Israel of actions and statements that allegedly aim to destroy a significant portion of the Palestinian population, violating the Genocide Convention. The Israeli Foreign Ministry has issued a classified cable warning of potential consequences if South Africa continues with its legal actions, which are supported by numerous nations and legal experts. The Israeli government has labeled the genocide case as unfounded and has accused South Africa of acting as a legal representative for Hamas, the group responsible for attacks that resulted in over 1,100 deaths in Israel last October. Since then, Israeli military actions in Gaza have reportedly resulted in the deaths or injuries of at least 145,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, amidst widespread displacement and humanitarian crises. In response to the ongoing situation, Israeli diplomats have been instructed to seek public condemnation from U.S. Congress members regarding South Africa's actions. They have also hinted that continued legal pursuits could jeopardize U.S. trade relations with South Africa. This pressure campaign is part of a broader Israeli strategy to deter international accountability for its military operations and human rights violations in Gaza. The U.S. remains a crucial ally for Israel, providing substantial military aid and diplomatic support. As the ICJ case progresses, the implications for international relations and human rights accountability could be significant, with various groups advocating for legal action against U.S. officials for their support of Israel's military actions in Gaza.