A former Israeli commander has cancelled a planned trip to South Africa, fearing possible arrest over his role in the Gaza war. Israel’s public broadcaster KAN reported that Major General Doron Almog, head of the Jewish Agency for Israel, withdrew from the visit. He was scheduled to meet South Africa’s Jewish community, but the trip was abandoned amid legal risks tied to genocide allegations.
South Africa filed a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice in 2023, accusing it of genocide and grave violations of the UN Convention. The lawsuit has intensified international scrutiny of Israeli officials, linking their military actions in Gaza to potential war crimes.
Almog commanded the Israeli army’s Southern Command between 2000 and 2003 before taking leadership of the Jewish Agency, founded in 1929 to promote Jewish migration. His record includes controversial operations, particularly in Gaza, where human rights groups accuse Israeli forces of systematic abuses.
In 2005, Almog faced an arrest warrant in Britain over the destruction of dozens of Palestinian homes in Rafah. He narrowly avoided detention by remaining aboard his aircraft and returning directly to Israel.
Israel’s military campaign in Gaza since October 2023 has killed more than 63,000 Palestinians and left the territory shattered, hungry, and desperate. Humanitarian agencies warn of famine as infrastructure crumbles and casualties continue to rise.
Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. Both face charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
As Israel confronts a genocide case at the world’s top court, the shadow of legal accountability follows its officials abroad, curtailing travel and clouding diplomatic ties.