The Israeli Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) said that the court declarations suggesting that "Israel" is engaged in genocide "will serve as important ammunition in the legal campaign waged against Israel in the international arena."
 
INSS added that "the purpose of this campaign is not only to influence “the day after the war” through the prosecution of Israeli officials and the initiation of sanctions against Israel but already now to erode the practical support that Israel receives from its allies."

Available strategies involve exerting pressure on governments, especially the US administration during an election year, to diminish their backing for "Israel", as per INSS.

"Tools at hand include pressure on governments, and in particular the US administration in an election year, to reduce support for Israel by portraying it as committing genocide," it added.

Read next: Netanyahu condemns South Africa's genocide lawsuit against 'Israel'

The big picture

This comes shortly after South Africa submitted a formal request to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), initiating legal proceedings against "Israel" on December 29, 2023.

The case revolves around violations by "Israel" of its commitments under the Genocide Convention in connection with the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip. The ICJ, serving as the primary judicial body of the United Nations, is responsible for resolving legal disputes based on international law. Additionally, it provides advisory opinions on legal matters referred to it by authorized UN entities and agencies within the system.
 
The Application contends that, “acts and omissions by Israel... are genocidal in character, as they are committed with the requisite specific intent... to destroy Palestinians in Gaza as a part of the broader Palestinian national, racial and ethnic group” and that “the conduct of Israel — through its State organs, State agents, and other persons and entities acting on its instructions or under its direction, control or influence — in relation to Palestinians in Gaza, is in violation of its obligations under the Genocide Convention.”
 
It is worth noting that the South African parliament voted, on November 21, in favor of closing the Israeli embassy, expelling the Israeli ambassador, and cutting diplomatic ties with the Israeli occupation due to the brutal war waged on Gaza.