South Africans joining Israeli army could face prosecution, government says

South African citizens joining the rank of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) to fight in the raging war in Gaza could face the wrath of the law. The country’s foreign ministry said this in response to reports that some citizens have joined or intend to join the Israeli forces. It said the move could contribute to the violation of international law…

The South African government has warned citizens joining the Israeli army that they could face prosecution back home as the war in Gaza continues to wreak havoc on the civilian population

The Foreign Ministry in a statement said, “The South African Government is gravely concerned by reports that some South African citizens and permanent residents have joined or are considering joining the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) in the war in Gaza and in the other Occupied Palestinian Territories.”

The statement added that, “Such action can potentially contribute to the violation of international law and the commission of further international crimes, thus making them liable for prosecution in South Africa.”

It stressed that any South African joining the Israeli army without the approval of the National Conventional Arms Control Committee is “breaking the law and can be prosecuted.”

South Africa has long been a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause, and the ruling ANC likened it to their struggle against apartheid, where a white minority ruled over a black majority.

The President Cyril Ramaphosa-led government also announced the withdrawal of its diplomats from Israel, stressing that the position of Israel’s ambassador to Pretoria was becoming “untenable”.