Cape Town – Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says there is no official cabinet decision to close the Israeli embassy in South Africa.
Despite the ANC expressing support for an EFF motion calling for the embassy’s closure and the suspension of diplomatic relations, Ntshavheni said that the matter has been referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) by South Africa and other countries.
The referral accuses Israel of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
“There is no decision to close the embassy of Israel from the cabinet. We have gone to the ICC [International Criminal Court] as part of the state parties who have referred the matter there,” Times Live quoted Ntshavheni as saying.
[Watch live] Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni briefs media on outcomes of Cabinet meeting #PostCabinet https://t.co/VfT8FnmZjq
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) November 20, 2023
She said that the ICC’s response to this referral is a crucial opportunity for the court to demonstrate its objectivity.
South Africa expects international arrest warrants to be issued, and failure to do so would raise concerns about the ICC’s effectiveness.
The cabinet had previously decided to recall its diplomats from Israel on November 1.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
