South Africa threatens to arrest its citizens who serve in the Israeli army

South Africa’s foreign minister, Naledi Pandor, has threatened that authorities in her country will arrest dual nationals serving in the Israeli army upon their return.

“I have already issued a statement to warn those who are South Africans who are fighting alongside or in the ranks of the Israeli military; we are ready, when you come home, we will arrest you,” Pandor said.

South Africa filed a case at the International Court of Justice in January against Israel, accusing it of “committing genocide in the Palestinian Gaza Strip.”

The South African government warned in December that its citizens fighting alongside Israel in Gaza could face trial at home, while South African President Cyril Ramaphosa again condemned the war as “genocide”.

The Foreign Ministry said it was “gravely concerned by reports that some South Africans have joined the Israeli army to fight in Gaza or are considering doing so.”

“Such acts could contribute to the violation of international law and the commission of further international crimes, making them liable to prosecution in South Africa,” the ministry said.

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