South Africa’s legal action at the international court of justice accusing Israel of genocide and war crimes in Gaza has sparked a contentious debate with Israel, with Jewish groups accusing the African National Congress (ANC) of antisemitism.
Israel has strongly denounced South Africa’s lawsuit, calling it an act of support for Hamas, the group responsible for the cross-border attack in Gaza in October. The Israeli government called the accusations of intentionally killing thousands of Palestinian civilians a “blood libel,” as the case is set to be heard on Thursday.
Jewish organizations in South Africa have joined in criticizing the ANC, accusing the ruling party of siding with terrorism and antisemitism. South Africa’s Jewish Board of Deputies stated that the government was “humiliating itself in the international arena” and using international courts for political purposes.
However, critics of the Jewish organizations have accused them of acting as proxies for Israel. Andrew Feinstein, a former ANC member of parliament, highlighted the complicated history of the Jewish community’s involvement in political issues in South Africa. He pointed out that the Jewish Board of Deputies had historically struggled to criticize apartheid until the mid-1980s and had instead collaborated with the white regime.
The longstanding support of the ANC for the Palestinian cause has played a significant role in the current situation. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa reiterated the government’s support for Palestinians and the struggle against the occupation, drawing parallels between the situation in Palestine and South Africa’s history of apartheid.
The case at the international court has further escalated tensions between South Africa and Israel, prompting the recall of diplomats and a diplomatic dispute. The choice of John Dugard, a former UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Occupied Palestine, to head South Africa’s legal team at the ICJ further adds to the complexity of the situation.
Despite criticisms from Jewish organizations, some believe that the ICJ case will strengthen South Africa’s stance on the international stage and among its allies. The debate surrounding the case reflects the deep-rooted historical and political complexities that continue to influence the relations between South Africa, Israel, and the Palestinian territories.