Last week, the authorities of South Africa approached the International Criminal Court of the United Nations, demanding an investigation into Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip. They claim Israel is violating the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
The lawsuit alleges that Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip aim 'to destroy Palestinians.'
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a series of consultations with the Ministry of Justice, military officials, and the National Security Council. On the night of January 2, Haaretz reported that following the consultations, the country's political leadership decided to try to persuade the court to dismiss the lawsuit and prevent the issuance of a temporary decision that would compel Israel to cease military operations in the Gaza Strip.
While commenting on the government's decision, Tzachi Hanegbi, the Head of the National Security Council, confirmed the information to Ynet. He also pointed out that the State of Israel had signed the Genocide Convention and would, therefore, not boycott the court's discussion. "We will be in court and reject the absurd accusation, which is a blood libel," said Hanegbi.
