Israel's top legal expert handling the genocide case warned army officials, including Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, of the "danger" that the ICJ could issue an injunction calling for a halt to attacks in Gaza, Haaretz newspaper reported.
While the legal expert in question reminded the authorities that the International Court of Justice decision was binding, the Israeli army and the Supreme Court began preparations to handle the genocide case.
Dr. Shelly Aviv Yeini, an international law expert from the University of Haifa, stated that the genocide case could lead to diplomatic isolation, boycott and sanctions against Israel.
Yeini stated that he believes that the case filed by South Africa should not be taken lightly, and noted that the ICJ has a great impact on shaping international law.
Pointing out that the ICJ's decisions affect the perception of the international community, Yeini pointed out that recognition of "South Africa's claim" could strengthen the perception that Israel committed genocide in Gaza.
Yeini stated that if Israel does not provide a detailed response refuting the accusations against it, the ICJ will most likely rule that Israeli attacks violate the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide.
Eliav Lieblich, professor of international law at Tel Aviv University, also underlined that South Africa has two main claims that Israel "did not take steps to prevent statements calling for genocide made in the country" and "committed actions that constitute genocide."
Lieblich emphasized that the genocide case filed by South Africa against Israel at the ICJ should not be taken lightly and its possible effects should not be ignored.