Washington intervenes in Israel-SA genocide case

South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has escalated into a global showdown, with the US formally intervening to defend its ally.

- Eric Mthobeli Naki

Washington's declaration of intervention signals the SA government will not be easily swayed, despite mounting pressure, and sets the stage for a high-stakes legal and political battle.

Analysts believe the US move is a clear indication that Israel has an undue influence on the US, as it managed to drag Washington into the case, as it did in the ongoing Israel-US versus Iran war in the Middle East.

Independent political analyst

Goodenough Mashego said the US and Israel had hoped that by now South Africa would have withdrawn the case as a result of pressure from Washington.

Israel had delayed its response to the South African submission at the ICJ because it hoped there would be no need to proceed, Mashego said.