In a strong rebuke against the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Israel’s President Isaac Herzog has labeled the genocide case against Israel as a form of “blood libel.” He accused the judges of taking his words out of context, creating a false impression that he considered all Gazan civilians as legitimate military targets.
Genocide Allegations
The ICJ recently ruled 15-2 that there is “plausibility” to South Africa’s claims that Palestinians need protection from genocide. It cited inflammatory comments by senior Israeli officials, including President Herzog, as potential endorsements of deliberately harming civilians.
President Herzog’s Response
President Herzog vehemently denied the allegations, stating that the ICJ twisted his words from a press briefing on October 12. He clarified that Israel abides by international law and condemned the killing of innocent civilians. He expressed disgust at the partial and fragmented quotes used against him.
Israel’s Just Campaign
During an event honoring IDF soldiers, President Herzog emphasized that Israel is fighting a just campaign for the return of hostages held by Hamas. He underscored the right to self-defense and argued that Israel is acting in accordance with international law.
Criticism of ICJ’s Timing
President Herzog criticized the ICJ’s decision, particularly its timing on the eve of International Holocaust Memorial Day. He called the ruling a “blood libel” that undermines the values on which the court was established.
ICJ’s Orders
While the ICJ acknowledged the plausibility of Israel’s actions falling within the terms of the Genocide Convention, it did not order an immediate unilateral ceasefire. The panel of 17 judges ordered Israel to take measures to prevent genocide, ensure the IDF avoids such acts, prevent incitement to genocide, address the humanitarian situation in Gaza, prevent the destruction of evidence, and report back to the court within one month.
The Israeli government strongly rejects the accusations and views the ICJ’s decision as flawed, promising to defend its actions during the conflict against Hamas.
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