Israel’s Prime Minister Called The ICJ Genocide Case Ruling “Outrageous”, Saying It Is Defending Itself
“The charge of genocide leveled against Israel is not only false, it’s outrageous.”
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling calling for it to prevent genocide from happening in Gaza “outrageous”.
On Friday Jan. 26, the world court delivered its ruling on a case brought forward by South Africa in December 2023 against Israel committing genocide in Gaza.
In its ruling, the court found that South Africa’s case that Israel is committing genocide is plausible and issued an emergency order – also known as provisional measures – calling on Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent genocide in Gaza.
However, it stopped short of ordering a ceasefire.
Speaking after the verdict, Netanyahu called the case a “vile attempt” to deny Israel the right to defend itself and “blatant discrimination against the Jewish state”.
He said that Israel’s commitment to international law was “unwavering”, as was its “sacred commitment” to defend its country and people.
“The charge of genocide leveled against Israel is not only false, it’s outrageous,” he said, adding that Israel will continue to defend itself against Hamas, which he called a “genocidal terror organization.”
He said Israel’s war is against Hamas and not Palestinian civilians.
The court ordered Israel to:
- Take all measures within its power to prevent genocide of Palestinians.
- Ensure its military doesn’t commit genocidal acts.
- Take all measures within its power to prevent and punish public incitement to commit genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
- Ensure provisions of urgent service and humanitarian aid in Gaza.
- Ensure the preservation of evidence related to allegations of genocide.
- Submit a report to the court in one month showing its compliance with the court’s order.
The orders “have a binding effect and thus create international legal obligations” for Israel.
The ICJ has yet to rule that Israel is committing genocide, and a final judgment may take years.
Israel’s airstrikes and ground offensive have killed more than 25,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, in Gaza since Oct. 7.
