Israeli Justice Minister Yariv Levin has requested the Attorney General to initiate a criminal investigation into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s handling of the Gaza war, according to Israeli media. This unprecedented move is reportedly an attempt to prevent potential arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Channel 12 reported on Wednesday that Netanyahu’s strategy is based on the principle of complementarity, which allows the ICC to defer to domestic legal proceedings if they are considered sufficient.
By launching and swiftly closing an internal investigation, Netanyahu and Levin aim to create an appearance of accountability, hoping to persuade the ICC that the allegations have already been thoroughly addressed in Israel, thereby negating the need for international action, as reported by The Times of Israel.
This development comes as ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan intensifies scrutiny of the situation.
Meanwhile, Israel is reportedly lobbying members of the US Congress to apply pressure on South Africa to withdraw its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as per recent reports from Axios and Israeli outlet Walla.
According to these reports, Israel’s foreign ministry sent a confidential cable directing its diplomats in the US to engage with South African diplomats and US lawmakers on the issue. The document urges American officials to stress that South Africa’s continued pursuit of the case could lead to serious consequences, including potential trade sanctions.
The cable reportedly stated, “We are asking you to immediately work with lawmakers on the federal and state level, with governors and Jewish organizations to pressure South Africa to shift its stance on Israel. It must be made clear that supporting Hamas and backing anti-Israel actions in international courts will come with significant costs.”
Walla also cited Israeli officials expressing hope that the new South African government, which took office in May, might adopt a different approach to Israel and the ongoing war in Gaza.
The ICJ Case
South Africa has until October 28 to submit its arguments to the ICJ regarding its genocide case against Israel, which concerns alleged violations of the Genocide Convention during the Gaza conflict. This case was initiated by South Africa in December 2023, accusing Israel of breaching the 1948 Genocide Convention.
So far, the Israeli military has reportedly killed at least 41,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, in Gaza. Additionally, a continuing blockade has caused critical shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, leaving much of Gaza devastated.
South Africa’s case has garnered support from Türkiye and 12 other countries that have joined the proceedings at the ICJ.
