Treasury allocates further R37 million to SA vs Israel genocide case

CAPE TOWN - Treasury has made another R37 million allocation to fund government’s genocide case against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ).  

This pushes government’s expenditure on the case to more than R130 million.  

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The case is now in its second year, with South Africa having already deposited its memorial, which contains its main arguments that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza.  

According to the estimates of national expenditure, the additional funds for the ICJ case are to cover the cost of appointing legal representatives, interpreters, and translators.  

The R37 million allocation over the medium term will also cover travel and subsistence costs to the court in The Hague.  

The budget document said the allocation is being made in support of South Africa’s commitment to upholding human rights and freedom.  

The latest allocation is on top of appropriations made in the medium-term budget in 2024 - R17 million to the Presidency to file the memorial and a further R78 million to the Department of Justice for costs associated with the proceedings.  

Top South African advocates and British barristers were hired in 2024 to argue in the world’s highest court for additional measures to protect Palestinians living in Gaza.  

This week, Cabinet condemned Israel for blocking humanitarian aid to the occupied territory.  

Israel is expected to respond to South Africa’s case in June.