Israel will seek intervention from the US Congress to persuade South Africa to withdraw its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Local media reports indicate that Israeli officials are preparing to lobby Congress members to warn South Africa of serious repercussions if the case proceeds.
The request follows a classified Israeli Foreign Ministry document, which suggests a strategy to influence South Africa’s stance on the issue.
Israeli officials expressed hope that the new South African government, expected after elections in May, might adopt a more favorable position towards Israel.
South Africa has a deadline of October 28 to justify continuing the case against Israel. The case, initiated last December, accuses Israel of breaching the 1948 Genocide Convention amid its ongoing Gaza offensive.
The conflict in Gaza, now nearing a year, has resulted in nearly 41,000 Palestinian deaths and over 94,800 injuries, primarily affecting women and children.
The blockade has created severe shortages of essential supplies, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Israel faces allegations of genocide at the ICJ due to its actions during the Gaza conflict.