The U.S. opposes South Africa’s genocide claim against Israel at the ICJ, calling it baseless and harmful to international law.

The U.S. has intervened in the ICJ case where South Africa alleges Israel committed genocide in Gaza, calling the claims baseless and part of a campaign to delegitimize Israel. The U.S. argues that civilian casualties in urban warfare do not prove genocidal intent, which requires specific intent to destroy a group, and warns a ruling against Israel would undermine international law and distort legal precedent. The U.S. joins over a dozen countries filing interventions, while the ICJ has ordered Israel to prevent genocide and allow humanitarian aid. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders over alleged war crimes, including using starvation as a weapon, prompting U.S. sanctions. A U.S.-brokered ceasefire has reduced major fighting, though sporadic violence and humanitarian access issues persist.