Israel is reportedly lobbying members of the U.S. Congress to pressure South Africa into withdrawing its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), according to sources from Axios and Israeli outlet Walla.
A classified cable from Israel’s foreign ministry has directed diplomats in the U.S. to engage with both South African diplomats and U.S. lawmakers. The document allegedly encourages these officials to highlight that South Africa’s pursuit of the genocide case could lead to serious consequences, including potential trade sanctions.
“We ask you to immediately work with lawmakers at both federal and state levels, along with governors and Jewish organizations, to apply pressure on South Africa to shift its stance on Israel. It should be made clear that continuing actions like supporting Hamas and pursuing anti-Israel measures in international courts will come at a steep cost,” the foreign ministry’s cable reportedly stated.
Walla further cited Israeli officials who expressed hope that South Africa’s new government, which came into power in May, might adopt a different position regarding Israel and the conflict in Gaza.
ICJ Case Background
South Africa has until October 28 to submit its justification to the ICJ for proceeding with the case, which accuses Israel of violating the 1948 Genocide Convention during the Gaza conflict. South Africa initiated the case in December 2023, accusing Israel of committing genocide in its ongoing military actions in Gaza.
According to reports, Israeli military actions have resulted in the deaths of over 41,000 Palestinians, primarily women and children. Gaza also remains under a prolonged blockade, causing critical shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies, with widespread destruction in the region.
Türkiye and 12 other nations have joined South Africa in pursuing the case against Israel at the ICJ.
