South Africa Allocates Funds for ICJ Case Against Israel Amidst Criticism

The South African government allocated R37 million for its genocide case against Israel at the ICJ, prompting criticism from the SAZF, which condemned the use of taxpayer funds amid economic crises. The case has escalated with increasing financial appropriations and ongoing legal proceedings against Israel’s actions in Gaza under the Genocide Convention.

The South African government has come under fire from the South African Zionist Federation (SAZF) for appropriating 37 million South African Rands (approximately $2 million) for its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This allocation raises the total funding designated for this case to R130 million (over $7 million).

In a statement released on Tuesday, the SAZF condemned this decision as an “appalling misuse of taxpayer funds.” They highlighted that South Africa is currently facing significant economic challenges, including a 35% unemployment rate, particularly severe among youth at 60%, as well as a collapsing healthcare system and widespread power outages affecting the economy.

The federation emphasized that the ICJ’s preliminary ruling did not find South Africa’s claims of genocide against Israel to be plausible. They accused the government of misrepresenting this ruling to portray it as a success, which they argued distracts from the reality of Hamas being the real perpetrators of genocide following the October 7 massacre against Israel.

Moreover, the SAZF pointed out that the South African government has set aside R95 million for similar legal actions in 2024. This legal move formally began in December 2023, when South Africa initiated proceedings against Israel, citing violations of the Genocide Convention, and in a subsequent ruling in January 2024, the ICJ recognized the Palestinians’ right to protection and allowed South Africa to file its claims.

Continuing the legal battle, South Africa presented a detailed Memorial to the ICJ in October 2024, contending that Israel’s actions have constituted violations of the Genocide Convention through its policies in the Gaza Strip.

The South African government faces criticism for its substantial financial allocation towards pursuing a genocide case against Israel, a decision labeled as a misuse of taxpayer resources by the SAZF. Amid significant domestic socio-economic challenges, the federation argues that these funds could be better utilized. The ongoing legal proceedings at the ICJ emphasize the complexities surrounding claims of genocide and highlight the wider implications for Israeli-Palestinian relations.

Original Source: www.jpost.com