Why it matters:
Israel’s continuous need to defend actions that are responses to aggression highlights an underlying challenge in the international perception of its right to self-defense. The trial at The Hague against Israel over its military actions in Gaza brings these issues into sharp focus. It’s not just about the current conflict; it’s indicative of a broader set of narratives and legal debates surrounding Israel’s right to protect its citizens.
What’s happening:
Over the past 100 days of conflict, which Israel did not initiate, the international stage has witnessed the complexities of portraying both the Israeli defensive measures and the Palestinian narrative of victimhood. Particularly at The Hague, where Israel’s legal representatives contend against South Africa’s allegations depicting Israel as a perpetrator of genocide – countering it with narratives of prolonged terrorism faced by Israelis.
The Details:
As South Africa’s representatives attempt to sway international opinion by casting Israel in extreme light, Israel’s legal team at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) retorts by presenting the role of terrorist acts by Hamas and the absurdity of being painted as the aggressor in a situation of self-defense.
The bigger picture:
Israel is ensnared in an archetype where legitimization as a victim ceases shortly after an attack begins. Factors such as eroded empathy towards Israeli causalities compared to the tragic images emerging from Gaza, contribute to this dynamic. Discussions at The Hague reflect a skewed landscape where Israel’s actions are sometimes characterized without context.
The absurdity explained:
The ongoing warfare underscores the seemingly thin rope upon which international legitimacy threads, constantly challenging Israel to vindicate its existence and its survival actions. Furthermore, in the court of public opinion, the devastation displayed by countries like South Africa often eclipses the narrative nuance that is crucial to understanding the conflict.
Israel’s argument:
Israel’s legal team argues that the true genocidal acts are those propagated by Hamas against Israel, as articulated at The Hague. Underlining that the tragedy in Gaza as a product of a territory rigged for conflict – with weapons and tunnels aimed against Israel – as opposed to being wielded for the prosperity and quality of life of the Palestinians in Gaza.
A fight for humanity:
Diplomatic speeches emphasize the overlooked Israeli victims – specifically, the 136 women, children, and elderly held by Hamas without proper intervention from international bodies or rights groups. Israel highlights their plight as an illustrative example of the terror giving rise to the nation’s defensive measures.
What’s next:
The call to bring home those taken hostage by Hamas resonates with the plea for recognition of Israel’s position as a defender of life against an aggressor sworn to its annihilation. With 100 days passed, the rallying cry remains – Israel’s struggle is as much for its missing citizens as it is for the country’s legitimate right of self-preservation.
Relevant Topics:
Israel, Gaza, South Africa, The Hague, International Court of Justice, Operation Swords of Iron, Israel-Hamas War 2024
This story was first published on jpost.com.