According to a report by Axios, the Israeli Foreign Ministry has instructed its embassies worldwide to ensure that their host countries oppose South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Last week, Pretoria presented its case to the ICJ, alleging that Israel’s ongoing attacks on Gaza are genocidal in nature and aimed at destroying a significant portion of the Palestinian population.
South Africa is seeking an injunction from the Hague-based court to halt the IDF’s military campaign in Gaza, where the local health ministry reports that over 22,600 people have been killed in the past three months.
The urgent diplomatic cable sent by the Israeli Foreign Ministry emphasizes the country’s strategic goals, which include the rejection of South Africa’s injunction request, the avoidance of a determination that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, and the recognition that the IDF’s actions comply with international law. Axios published an article on Saturday providing these details.
The document, which was reviewed by the outlet, stated that a court ruling could have significant implications not only in the legal realm but also in terms of bilateral and multilateral relations, as well as economic and security considerations.
The Foreign Ministry emphasized the need for Israeli diplomats to exert pressure on their counterparts and high-level politicians in host countries to issue immediate and unequivocal public statements rejecting the baseless allegations made against Israel.
Additionally, it called for foreign nations to publicly acknowledge Israel’s efforts to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza and minimize harm to civilians while acting in self-defense against a genocidal terrorist organization.
The ministry urged diplomats to obtain these statements before the ICJ hearings commence on January 11, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would also send similar messages to world leaders through letters.
While countries like Turkey, Jordan, and Malaysia have supported South Africa’s cases, the United States, Israel’s main supporter, rejected them, stating that there were no acts constituting genocide in Gaza.
