Today’s ICJ ruling in the Israel genocide case: What to know
Today’s hearing at the ICJ is only the very first step of a potentially yearslong courtroom fight between South Africa and Israel.
In the long run, South Africa is accusing Israel of genocide, which Israel strenuously denies. But in the meantime, South Africa has asked the court to issue an emergency order for Israel to halt its war in Gaza while the case goes through its motions.
This interim request is what the court is schedule to rule on at 1 p.m. local time today (7 a.m. ET). It might not be a yes-no decision, according to experts. The ICJ could issue a preliminary order of its own that has different conditions to South Africa’s request: perhaps telling Israel to allow more aid into Gaza, for example. The 17 judges do not have to agree, only to reach a majority vote.
If the ICJ does issue such an order, Israel’s rhetoric and past behavior suggest it may ignore the ruling.
The court could send the decision to the U.N. Security Council to impose sanctions, although these would likely be vetoed by the United States, Israel’s biggest ally and backer, which also opposes the ICJ case. Such a result would be nonetheless significant in terms of the international court of public opinion, however, and countries could reference it when deciding to impose their own unilateral punishments on Israel.
If the court tosses out the request, then South Africa can carry on with the rest of the case, although legal experts say such a rejection would come as a significant blow to its overall argument that Israel is guilty of genocide. There is no appeals process.
U.S. reiterates genocide accusations against Israel are ‘unfounded’ ahead of IJC ruling
The United States reiterated yesterday its view that the accusation Israel is committing genocide in Gaza is unfounded.
Asked if Washington thinks parties should abide by any provisional measures advised by the U.N.’s top court today, State Department…
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