Israel has announced its intention to fight South Africa's claim that it is committing "genocidal" acts in Gaza at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), according to an Israeli spokesman. Eylon Levy addressed South African leaders, warning them that history would judge them harshly. This comes after South Africa filed the case at the ICJ, sparking outrage from Israel.

South Africa, a staunch supporter of the Palestinians, has been critical of Israel since the beginning of the war with Gaza on October 7th. Gaza's health ministry, run by Hamas, claims that more than 22,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed in Israeli strikes during the war. Israel, in response, declared war on Hamas after the group led a massive attack on communities within Israel, resulting in the deaths of about 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

South Africa's presidency stated that the country filed the case at the ICJ because it is obligated "to prevent genocide from occurring." The 84-page document submitted to the court alleges that the "acts and omissions by Israel" are "genocidal in character" and aim to destroy a significant part of the Palestinian national, racial, and ethnic group.

South African government lawyers are preparing for the case scheduled to be heard on January 11th and 12th, according to Clayson Monyela, spokesperson for South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation. In response, Eylon Levy stated that Israel intends to fight the case to debunk South Africa's "absurd blood libel." Levy referred to the term "blood libel," which pertains to false anti-Semitic allegations against Jewish communities of bloodletting, originating in Europe in the Middle Ages.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly rejected South Africa's allegations at the time of the lawsuit, stating that it is Hamas, not Israel, that is responsible for perpetrating genocide. He emphasized that Hamas would murder anyone if given the chance, but the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are acting as morally as possible.

Notably, this case comes as Israel is already facing an investigation initiated by the Palestinians at the ICJ regarding its "prolonged occupation, settlement, and annexation of Palestinian territory." In 2004, the court ruled against Israel, finding that the barrier built in and around the occupied West Bank violated international law. Israel had claimed that the barrier was necessary to prevent suicide bombings, while Palestinians viewed it as an attempt to seize land.

The case between Israel and South Africa adds another layer to the ongoing tensions in the region. The ICJ will play a crucial role in determining the outcome and addressing the allegations made against Israel.