🇿🇦 South African Government Warns Citizens Serving in Israeli Army of Potential War Crimes Prosecution

The South African government has issued a stern warning to its nationals serving in the Israeli army, cautioning them about the possibility of facing legal repercussions for their alleged involvement in war crimes against Palestinian civilians.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the government’s condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza, denouncing them as a “genocide.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Pretoria expressed deep concern over South African citizens enlisting in the Israeli military during the recent aggressive campaign in Gaza. In an official statement, the ministry stated, “Such actions may contribute to the violation of international law and the commission of additional international crimes, exposing individuals to potential prosecution in South Africa.”

Furthermore, the ministry highlighted that South African nationals serving in the Israeli army could potentially face legal action or citizenship revocation upon their return to South Africa. The Foreign Ministry explained that individuals who become naturalized citizens face an elevated risk of losing their South African citizenship if they participate in conflicts not endorsed or approved by the nation.

While the South African government has not disclosed the number or identities of its nationals in the Israeli army, it affirmed that those seeking to join the military must obtain prior approval, in accordance with the South African Citizenship Act of 1995.

In a significant move last month, South African lawmakers voted in favor of shutting down the Israeli embassy in Pretoria and suspending diplomatic relations with Tel Aviv. Additionally, on November 6, South Africa recalled all its diplomats in Tel Aviv as a response to its disapproval of Israel’s military operations in Gaza.