As tensions in the Middle East continue to rise, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have criticized the South African government for not taking strong enough action to convey a clear message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
According to IOL, on Thursday, the South African government issued a statement expressing “grave concern” over the ongoing escalation of military conflict involving Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, and the subsequent responses from Iran.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) in Pretoria urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could further destabilize the already fragile region.
In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, former EFF Secretary-General Godrich Gardee argued that South Africa’s approach to taking Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) was costly and merely symbolic. Gardee insisted that South Africa should expel the Israeli Ambassador, Eliav Belotsercovsky.
“The ANC bears responsibility for the bloodshed in Palestine,” Gardee stated. “Both the ANC and Parliament agreed that Israeli diplomatic offices should be closed, and its diplomats declared persona non grata, but this has not been implemented, despite being a resolution of the National Assembly.”
He added, “It’s pointless to focus on the International Court of Justice. The real action needs to happen here in South Africa, not in The Hague. The ANC should show its commitment by expelling the Israeli ambassador, just as Israel declared the UN Secretary-General unwelcome in Tel Aviv.”
Gardee further claimed that the South African government wasted millions of taxpayers’ money pursuing the ICJ route.
Last November, the ANC’s then-Chief Whip Pemmy Majodina and EFF leader Julius Malema called for severing ties with Israel until a ceasefire was achieved in the Middle East. This came after 248 South African Members of Parliament voted in favor of cutting ties with Israel, while 91 MPs opposed the motion.
Majodina also proposed that the motion include a push for Israel to engage in UN-mediated peace talks regarding Gaza. The ANC declared at the time that Israel’s embassy in South Africa should remain closed until Israel agreed to a ceasefire and committed to UN-facilitated negotiations aimed at achieving lasting peace.
Malema welcomed the ANC’s support of the motion, which led to Israel recalling its ambassador for consultations.
On Wednesday, Obed Bapela, the ANC’s international relations sub-committee deputy chairperson, reiterated that South Africa supports a two-state solution where Israel and Palestine can coexist peacefully.
Bapela noted that while several nations have already closed their Israeli embassies, doing so alone would not end the violence. He emphasized the need for addressing the international support Israel receives, including financial aid. He argued that a ruling from the International Court of Justice condemning Israel for genocide and calling for a ceasefire would be a significant step toward justice.
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