South Africa Allocates Millions for ICJ Case Against Israel, SAZF Condemns Funding
The South African government has allocated 37 million Rand for its ICJ case against Israel, totaling 130 million Rand. The SAZF criticized this expenditure as misusing taxpayer funds during a national crisis. They argue that the ICJ’s preliminary ruling does not substantiate the government’s claims of genocide. Further, South Africa’s case claims violations of the Genocide Convention by Israel concerning the Gaza Strip.
The South African government has allocated 37 million Rand (approximately $2 million) towards its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This allocation brings the total funding for this legal effort to 130 million Rand (over $7 million), as reported by local media. The South African Zionist Federation (SAZF) has voiced strong disapproval of this financial commitment.
In a recent statement, the SAZF criticized what they describe as an “appalling misuse of taxpayer funds” for this legal initiative. They pointed out that South Africa is currently facing significant economic and social challenges, characterized by a monumental 35% unemployment rate (60% among youth), a declining healthcare system, frequent power outages, and 2.3 million households lacking adequate housing. The federation deemed this expenditure to be irresponsible in light of the pressing issues facing the country.
The statement also highlighted that the ICJ’s preliminary ruling had not adequately supported South Africa’s allegations of genocide against Israel. The SAZF accused the government of misrepresenting this ruling to reinforce its legal actions against Israel while deflecting blame from Hamas, who they assert are the true culprits responsible for the October 7 massacre against Israel. Furthermore, the federation mentioned that the South African government has earmarked an additional 95 million Rand for similar legal initiatives in 2024.
South Africa initiated legal proceedings against Israel in December 2023, claiming violations of the Genocide Convention. In a subsequent ruling in January 2024, the ICJ determined that the Palestinians had a valid claim for protection and that South Africa was entitled to present its case. The court subsequently issued provisional measures against Israel. In October 2024, South Africa submitted a Memorial to the ICJ, alleging that Israel breaches the Genocide Convention through actions that promote the destruction of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
The allocation of 37 million Rand by the South African government for its case against Israel at the ICJ has provoked significant backlash from the SAZF, which denounces this use of taxpayer money amid the nation’s pressing economic and social crises. The federation contends that this funding is a misrepresentation of reality, given the ICJ’s rulings and the larger context of the ongoing conflict. Further funding has also been planned for similar legal efforts in the upcoming year.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
