US Congress proposes sanctions against SA

ISRAEL POLICY

- MANDILAKHE TSHWETE [e-mail]

A CONTROVERSIAL bill introduced in the United States Congress aims to cut off direct aid to South Africa and impose targeted sanctions on its political leaders, citing the country’s legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice and its growing diplomatic ties with Iran and Hamas.

Republican Representative Greg Steube yesterday tabled the Addressing Hostile and Antisemitic Conduct by the Republic of South Africa Act of 2025 in the US House of Representatives.

The proposed legislation accuses the South African government of using international institutions to wage “lawfare” against Israel, advancing what it calls an “antisemitic narrative under the guise of international law”.

“It is clear as day that the Government of South Africa is unfairly targeting the State of Israel and inciting hostility towards the United States and our allies,” Steube said in a statement dated June 17.