Following a ruling of the ICJ that imposed provisional measures against Israel, Israeli officials have dismissed the ruling as antisemitism as opposed to the pursuit of justice.
Prime Minister Netanyahu stated in response to the ruling: "Israel's commitment to international law is unwavering. Equally unwavering is our sacred commitment to continue to defend our country and defend our people. Like every country, Israel has an inherent right to defend itself."
"The vile attempt to deny Israel this fundamental right is blatant discrimination against the Jewish state, and it was justly rejected. The charge of genocide leveled against Israel is not only false, it’s outrageous, and decent people everywhere should reject it."
"On the eve of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, I again pledge as Prime Minister of Israel - Never Again."
"Israel will continue to defend itself against Hamas, a genocidal terror organization. On October 7th, Hamas perpetrated the most horrific atrocities against the Jewish people since the Holocaust, and it vows to repeat these atrocities again and again and again."
"Our war is against Hamas terrorists, not against Palestinian civilians. We will continue to facilitate humanitarian assistance, and to do our utmost to keep civilians out of harm's way, even as Hamas uses civilians as human shields."
"We will continue to do what is necessary to defend our country and defend our people".
The Foreign Ministry released a statement denying the charges: "The charge of genocide levelled against Israel at the International Court of Justice is false and outrageous. It constitutes a shameful exploitation of the Genocide Convention that is not only wholly unfounded in fact and law, but morally repugnant."
"As the Court recognized, on October 7th Hamas and other terrorist groups committed unspeakable atrocities against Israel and its citizens. Like every country, Israel has an inherent and inalienable right to defend itself against the terrorist onslaught it still faces. The vile attempt by South Africa to deny Israel this fundamental right was justly rejected."
"The Court has repeatedly made clear that its decision today does not determine whether South Africa’s claims have any merit, or the Court’s jurisdiction in this matter."
"Israel remains committed, as it has repeatedly affirmed and demonstrated, to acting in accordance with its rights and obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law. This commitment is unwavering, independent of any ICJ proceedings."
"Israel welcomes the Court’s clear demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all the hostages held in Gaza."
"Israel’s war is against Hamas, not against Palestinian civilians. Israel will continue to facilitate humanitarian assistance, and to do its utmost according to the law to keep civilians out of harm’s way, even as Hamas uses them as human shields."
"South Africa’s baseless accusations, and its attempt to empty the word genocide of its unique force and special meaning, have been widely denounced by numerous States known for their commitment to the rule of law. Israel is confident that the Court will likewise reject these unfounded claims at the merits phase of proceedings."
"On the eve of January 27th, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Israel calls on all those genuinely committed to the solemn promise of “never again” enshrined in the Genocide Convention, to reject the unconscionable efforts to distort the truth in support of a genocidal terrorist organization. Hamas, and its sponsor in Tehran, seek to deny both Israelis and Palestinians the ability to achieve a peaceful future. South Africa should be denounced for being their willing accomplice"
The Prime Minister's Office reportedly issued an instruction that Ministers not give interviews on the subject of the ruling.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid commented: "It is Israel's right and obligation to defend itself. We have no need for lectures on morality or instructions how to act like a reasonable, democratic state."
Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant stated: “The State of Israel does not need to be lectured on morality in order to distinguish between terrorists and the civilian population in Gaza."
"The International Court of Justice in The Hague went above and beyond, when it granted South Africa's antisemitic request to discuss the claim of genocide in Gaza, and now refuses to reject the petition outright."
"Those who seek justice, will not find it on the leather chairs of the court chambers in The Hague - they will find it in the Hamas tunnels in Gaza, where 136 hostages are held, and where those who murdered our children are hiding."
"Those who seek justice, will not find it in the operational plans found in the pockets of Nukhba terrorists, who were instructed to ‘drink the blood of the Jews’. They will find it in the ‘Spirit of The IDF,’ a document that outlines the values and conduct of our moral and professional soldiers."
"The State of Israel will never forget October 7th."
"The IDF and security agencies will continue operating to dismantle the military and governing capabilities of the Hamas terrorist organization, and to return the hostages to their homes."
"I have full confidence in the commanders and soldiers of the IDF and the forces serving in our security agencies.”
Foreign Minister Israel Katz responded to the ruling: “Israel’s commitment to international law is unwavering. It exists independently of any ICJ proceedings, as does Israel’s inherent right to defend itself against the genocidal terrorists of Hamas. I reiterate this today on the eve of International Holocaust Remembrance Day."
"I commend our excellent legal team for their outstanding efforts. You have represented Israel and the Jewish people with honor. You have made us proud.”
Minister Benny Gantz commented: "Tomorrow we will mark 79 years since the liberation of Auschwitz. Israel was established so that there will never again be an Auschwitz. Today, we face an enemy who not only wanted to carry out the deadliest pogrom since the Holocaust, but actually tried to do so."
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich suggested: "The judges who are concerned with the humanitarian situation are welcome to open their gates to accept and rehabilitate Gazan refugees."
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir commented "Hague Smague - The ICJ has only proven what everyone already knew, that it is only seeking to prosecute the Jewish nation. They were silent during the Holocaust and have now moved their bias up a level. We must not abide by their decisions, which endanger the existence of the state of Israel, and continue to destroy the enemy until total victory.'
MK Zvi Sukkot called the court ' a circus of evil, bias, and Jew-hatred'.
MK Dan Illouz declared ''The ruling from the Hague is a comedy comparable to having pro-Nazi judges at the Nuremberg trials. Israel keeps and will continue to keep the law, and this ruling has no effect other than intentionally damaging Israel's reputation.''
MK Danny Danon, Israel's former Ambassador to the United Nations, commented: "Today's decision of the International Criminal Court at The Hague is completely disconnected from any reality on the ground and will not deter us from achieving our goals - the elimination of Hamas and the return of all the hostages. We have not forgotten the terror, the trauma and the victims of October 7. We will fight until all our goals are achieved - and we will win!".'
An anonymous senior official commented 'We got off easy.'