CAPE TOWN – The White House has declared that South Africa’s genocide submission to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Israel is without merit.
At a White House press briefing on Wednesday, US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby was asked about the application.
Legal experts say that if South Africa’s application to stop Israel’s attacks on Gaza is successful, the US will be barred from assisting Israel in its offensive on Palestinian territory.
Washington said it’s committed to helping Israel defend itself and to increase humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
South Africa’s application to the International Court of Justice has been labeled “absurd blood libel” by Israel, which says it will defend its case at next week’s hearings.
Kirby also expressed Washington’s opposition to the case during the first White House press conference of the year.
“We find this submission meritless, counterproductive, and completely without any basis, whatsoever,” said Kirby.
He stated that the US is involved in ongoing talks to free the remaining hostages kidnapped in the October 7 attacks.
Meanwhile, South African Jews for a Free Palestine have come out in support of South Africa’s legal action, hoping for an immediate ceasefire and an end to genocide.