SA GOVERNMENT FIRM ON ISRAEL CASE, DESPITE TRUMP MEETING

SA's decision to take Israel to ICJ driven by human rights

- MASHUDU SADIKE

THE South African government has confirmed that it will not back down on its International Court of Justice (ICJ) case against Israel, despite concern from some senior ANC officials that President Cyril Ramaphosa was considering withdrawing the case after a meeting with US President Donald Trump.

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 Ramaphosa was considering doing a U-turn on the government's stance on Israel.

Ramaphosa, with his delegation, last week visited Washington to meet with Trump after the US President made fake allegations that a genocide was being carried out against white Afrikaner farmers.

Ramaphosa said that the ICJ matter was not discussed in the bilateral meeting, but some National Executive Committee (NEC) officials of the ANC remain concerned that Trump may have twisted Ramaphosa's arm on the matter, especially in relation to trade between the two countries.

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

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