The African National Congress (ANC) has faced accusations of antisemitism from Jewish groups in lieu of its support for the Palestinian cause. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to hear a case initiated by South Africa, accusing Israel of genocide and war crimes in Gaza. Israel has strongly denounced the legal action, characterizing the allegations of intentionally causing harm to Palestinian civilians as a “blood libel” and interpreting South Africa’s move as support for Hamas. Jewish organizations in South Africa have accused the ANC of aligning with terrorism and antisemitism.
The roots of the strained relations between South Africa and Israel can be traced back to the ANC’s historical support for the Palestinian cause, coupled with the legacy of Israel’s past military alliance with the apartheid regime during a period of oppressive white rule. The lawsuit filed by South Africa seeks to halt the Israeli assault on Gaza in response to a cross-border attack by Hamas in October. The complex geopolitical context underscores the multifaceted nature of the tensions between the two nations.
South Africa’s Chief Rabbi, Warren Goldstein, responded to the ICJ filing by alleging that the ANC government is aligning itself with Iran and serving as a proxy in Iran’s plans to dismantle the Jewish state. He also accused the government of supporting Hamas, an Iranian proxy, in its alleged commission of war crimes. The Jewish Board of Deputies in South Africa echoed this criticism, stating that the government continues to demean itself on the international stage and is shamelessly utilizing international courts for political ends.
Critics of the board have countered these claims, asserting that it acts as a proxy for Israel. Andrew Feinstein, a former Jewish member of the ANC parliament, expressed skepticism about the impact of these criticisms within the country. He pointed out that both the chief rabbi and the Jewish Board of Deputies have historically refrained from criticizing Israel, and he highlighted the organization’s past reluctance to condemn apartheid until the mid-1980s. Feinstein emphasized that despite the prominent role played by Jewish South Africans in the anti-apartheid struggle, the Board of Deputies distanced itself from them and collaborated with the white regime, honoring figures like Percy Yutar, the prosecutor responsible for Nelson Mandela’s imprisonment.
Feinstein argued that the ANC’s enduring support for the Palestinian cause is deeply rooted, stemming from the party’s historical alignment with the Palestine Liberation Organization. He also noted a growing perception within the ANC that Israel is implementing a form of apartheid in the occupied territories. The affinity for the Palestinian struggle is viewed as closely tied to the South African struggle, shaping the ANC’s critical stance towards Israel.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa conveyed to representatives of the Board of Deputies last month his government’s steadfast commitment to supporting the Palestinians, citing their enduring plight of “over seven decades of apartheid-type brutal occupation.” The historical context reveals a past military alliance between Israel and apartheid-era South Africa, encompassing collaboration on nuclear weapons. Notably, figures such as Prime Minister John Vorster, despite historical affiliations with anti-Semitism and Nazism, were celebrated during a 1976 visit to Jerusalem.
Following the African National Congress’s assumption of power in 1994, full diplomatic relations were established with Palestine, leading to a deterioration in ties with Israel. The South African foreign ministry cites Israel’s perceived hindrance to peace talks and disregard for international law regarding Palestinian rights and territories as reasons for limited political and diplomatic interaction. In response to the Israeli military’s actions in 2019, South Africa downgraded its embassy in Tel Aviv to a liaison office, condemning the Israeli government and military as an “outcast and blight on humanity.”
Amid the November escalation in Gaza, South Africa recalled its diplomats and passed a resolution urging the closure of the Israeli embassy and suspension of diplomatic relations until a Gaza ceasefire and Israeli commitment to just and lasting peace talks with the Palestinians were achieved. Furthermore, South Africa has called on the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other leaders, alleging “genocidal intent” and war crimes.
The appointment of John Dugard to head South Africa’s legal team at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is expected to strain relations further. Dugard, who served as the UN special rapporteur for human rights in occupied Palestine, accused Israel of constructing a system of Jewish domination, violating the 1973 convention against apartheid, and committing war crimes. Despite claims from certain quarters that the ICJ case may damage South Africa’s international standing, others argue that it could enhance respect among key allies such as India, Brazil, and China. This perspective challenges the notion that South Africa’s stance on the matter is a source of embarrassment, particularly among representatives of the Jewish community perceived to offer uncritical support for Israel’s actions.
