'Israel' faces uphill battle on genocide charges at ICJ: Politico

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Politico
6 Jan 2024 00:28
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"Israel", concerned about its global image, realizes that an adverse ICJ ruling, even temporary, would provide a significant propaganda win to the Palestinian resistance.

The logo of the International Court of Justice, left, and that of the U.N., right, are seen on the judges bench at the International Court of Justice, or World Court, in The Hague, Netherlands, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

A report by Politico on Friday detailed the challenges that the Israeli regime may face on the genocide charges that were filed against it by South Africa at The Hague.

Last November, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged caution among extremists in his coalition, advising them to be mindful of their words regarding the war on Gaza.

This plea followed a series of contentious public remarks by hard-liners hinting at the annexation of Gaza and the expulsion of Palestinians.

These comments, including Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter's characterization of the war as "Gaza’s Nakba," have complicated "Israel's" defense before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The ill-judged remarks have had serious repercussions on "Israel's" standing with Western allies, which is already uneasy about the war's course and civilian casualties as it touches their self-proclaimed image.

These statements made it challenging to deflect calls from Western nations to alleviate the plight of Gaza's civilians, potentially straining support for the aggression on Gaza.

South Africa seeks an urgent interim order from the ICJ, declaring "Israel" in violation of the 1948 Genocide Convention.

While the full ICJ proceedings will likely extend beyond the Gaza war, Israeli officials fear the court might issue a temporary injunction akin to the one against Russia, prompting efforts to avoid such an outcome.

"Israel", concerned about its global image, realizes that an adverse ICJ ruling, even temporarily, would provide a significant propaganda win to the Palestinian resistance.

Disregarding an injunction could strain ties with Western allies, eroding support for "Israel's" main announced war objective — crushing the Palestinian resistance.

However, adhering to an injunction and halting the military campaign might disrupt "Israel's" internal politics, potentially leading to the breakdown of Netanyahu's coalition.

The coalition partners, particularly from the religious right, are already advocating for a wider conflict against the resistance in Lebanon and Palestinian factions in the occupied West Bank.

The situation is complicated by divisive internal politics, such as disagreements over providing humanitarian aid to Gaza.

According to Politico's report, "Israel" is in the process of preparing a defense against South Africa's genocide charges, assembling a team of lawyers, and seeking international jurists for support.

The government is reaching out to Western nations for statements of support, considering Ukraine's endorsement, given its case of genocide allegations against Russia.

"Israel" aims to detail allegations of atrocities committed by the Palestinian resistance on October 7, emphasizing its purported right to self-defense while highlighting claims of using Gazans as human shields.

Despite Netanyahu's plea for caution, inflammatory comments persist, with the US State Department recently criticizing two extremist Israeli ministers regarding plans for the permanent displacement of Palestinians.