Moulton Statement on South Africa's ICJ Genocide Case Against Israel

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Moulton issued the following statement in reaction to South Africa's International Court of Justice case against Israel in which it alleges Israel is committing genocide in the Gaza Strip. 

"South Africa’s case alleging that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza is meritless, and it cheapens the gravity of a genocide allegation. Israel is right to fiercely defend itself against this allegation, and South Africa should withdraw its case.

Responding to the worst attack on Jews since the Holocaust, Israel has stated its war aims clearly: “to destroy the military and governmental capabilities of Hamas and bring the hostages home.” The IDF’s leadership has committed to “minimize the harm to civilian populations” and has undertaken significant effort to protect them, including by evacuating them from areas of heavy combat.

Alongside several veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan in Congress and beyond, I have voiced genuine and pointed concerns over whether Israel’s current strategy will achieve victory and whether their current tactics align with their stated commitments. America received some of the same criticisms during our wars of the last two decades. Israel must show the international community that it has a viable plan for Gaza’s future. But to accuse Israel of genocide is unjust, out of touch with reality, and is counterproductive to the cause of a future peace."

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