In closing arguments, lawyer for Israel says entertaining South Africa’s request would weaken ICJ

Dr. Gilad Noam, presenting the closing arguments for Israel’s defense against South Africa’s charges of genocide in the ICJ, tells the court that were it to accept these claims it would embolden terrorist groups and provide them with cover to commit crimes against humanity in the future, as Hamas did on October 7.

“Entertaining the applicant’s request would weaken efforts to punish genocide and instead of [the court] being an instrument to prevent terrorist horrors would turn it into a weapon in hands of terrorist groups who have no regard for humanity and rule of law,” says Noam.

Granting South Africa’s request for provisional measures, “Would signal to terrorist groups that they can commit war crimes and crimes against humanity and then seek the protection of this court,” charges Noam.