South Africa’s ICJ delay request may ease pressure on Israel - analysis

South Africa has requested an 18-month extension from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to file its response to Israel's defense in the genocide case it initiated in late 2023. This move significantly delays further proceedings, pushing potential in-court hearings to late 2029 or even 2030.

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All the claims of 'urgency' have now turned into South Africa's quiet requests to buy more time.

Israel had submitted a substantial 1,000-page legal brief in mid-March, accompanied by approximately 4,000 pages of exhibits. South Africa's request means it now has until November 22, 2027, to respond and file any additional charges, with Israel's reply due by May 22, 2029. This extended timeline is seen as a procedural victory for Israel, potentially mitigating immediate legal, diplomatic, economic, and reputational consequences.

Israeli officials have voiced strong criticism of South Africa's request. The Foreign Ministry stated that "all the claims of 'urgency' have now turned into South Africa's quiet requests to buy more time." They characterized the case as "never about the facts" but rather a "propaganda campaign by South Africa in the service of Hamas, masquerading as a legal process." Deputy Attorney-General Gilad Noam asserted that Israel's counter-memorial and evidence demonstrate South Africa's allegations are "wholly unfounded."

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This case was never about the facts. It has always been a propaganda campaign by South Africa in the service of Hamas, masquerading as a legal process.

Some Israeli sources reportedly fear that the delay might not solely be for gathering evidence. There is speculation that South Africa might be hoping to leverage potential political shifts, such as the end of Donald Trump's presidency, before proceeding with its case in 2029. This strategic delay could be aimed at capitalizing on a changed geopolitical landscape.

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Israel's Counter Memorial, together with the extensive evidence supporting it, demonstrates that South Africa's Allegations are wholly unfounded and that this is a case that should never have been brought in the first place.