Genocide case against Israel here to stay, says Ramaphosa

THE Presidency has poured cold water on suggestions that the country would back down on  its International Court of Justice (ICJ) case against Israel in another effort to ease strained relations with the US. 

The case, which accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza, has generated significant international interest and support and has been thrust back into the spotlight after concerns were raised by ANC senior members that President Cyril Ramaphosa was considering doing an about turn on government's stance on Israel, a key ally of the US government.

During his recent meeting with US president Donald Trump, Ramaphosa said that the ICJ matter was not discussed. 

US secretary State Marco Rubio has stated Trump will be more open to restoring ties if South Africa reconsidered its stance on Israel.

An ANC NEC member said they were concerned about the pressure being exerted on the country, especially its views on international conflict and diplomacy. 

"There is concern among us that behind closed doors, the president might have conceded to Trump in order to fix relations. Comrades are not happy with the matter because it would mean we would be throwing Palestine and its people to the wolves," one NEC source said.

Another NEC member said although there was concern that Ramaphosa might fold, he would not make that decision on his own.

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said on Monday that the government's position on the matter remains unchanged.

"The position of the government and that of the president remains the same on the matter. It cannot be withdrawn and withdrawing is not even an option," Magwenya said.

His remarks were echoed by  the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, with its spokesperson Chrispin Phiri, saying that the court has set a deadline for Israel to file its response.

South Africa filed its Memorial to the ICJ in October, applying for the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip. 

The filing contains evidence of Israel's alleged violations of the genocide convention, including promoting the destruction of Palestinians living in Gaza, physically killing them, depriving them of humanitarian assistance, and ignoring provisional measures of the ICJ.

 Political analyst Professor Ntsikelelo Breakfast said  Ramaphosa might be tempted to withdraw the case due to pressure from Western powers. 

"Behind closed doors, there were issues that were discussed so that South Africa backs down...for example, they had to amend newly issued policy directives aimed at easing Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) requirements for licensing satellite services, including Elon Musk's Starlink," Breakfast said.

Cape Times