Germany U-turns, Won't Intervene on Israel's Behalf in ICJ Gaza Genocide Case
Sid Shniad
https://www.haaretz.com/world-news/europe/2026-03-19/ty-article/germany-u-turns-wont-intervene-on-israels-behalf-in-icj-gaza-genocide-case/0000019d-05c2-d65b-abfd-95deeaff0000
Haaretz March 19 2026
Germany U-turns, Won't Intervene on Israel's Behalf in ICJ Gaza Genocide Case
This marks a shift from Germany's January 2024 stance, when it backed Israel in the case. Berlin says its decision not to intervene stems from its own ICJ defense in a case accusing it of violating international law by supporting Israel's war in Gaza
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivers a statement during a session of the German parliament inBerlin, Germany, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Credit: Markus Schreiber,AP
Germany will not intervene on Israel's behalf in the case against it at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, where it is accused of genocide in Gaza, a German Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Wednesday in a briefing to reporters.
This marks a shift from Germany's position in January 2024, shortly after South Africa filed the case, when the former governing center-left coalition said it would support its ally in court and "firmly rejected" the genocide allegations against Israel.
Deputy foreign ministry spokesperson Josef Hinterseher explained that Germany's decision not to intervene stems from its own legal defense in a case filed against it by Nicaragua at the ICJ in April 2024. Nicaragua argues that Germany is violating international law, including the Genocide Convention, by supporting Israel's war in Gaza.
Among other demands, Nicaragua is calling on Germany to halt arms supplies to Israel and to resume funding for UNRWA.
Asked whether the decision signals that Germany no longer stands by its rejection of the genocide allegations against Israel, the spokesperson replied: "We categorically reject Nicaragua's allegations against Germany. All other matters will have to be clarified before the court, and we do not wish to comment further."
A number of countries have submitted declarations of intervention in South Africa's case against Israel, most in support of South Africa. Several countries backing Israel, including the U.S., Paraguay and Hungary, as well as critics such as the Netherlands, Iceland and Namibia, have filed interventions in recent weeks.
Last week, Israel also submitted its written response to South Africa's core claims. According to the Foreign Ministry, Israel argued, in a submission that remains confidential, that the ICJ lacks jurisdiction in the case and should therefore dismiss South Africa's complaint.
South Africa filed the case in December 2023, accusing Israel of violating the Genocide Convention through military operations in Gaza since October 2023.
The ICJ has issued several orders requiring Israel to prevent acts of genocide and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, but has not ordered a cease-fire.
The case runs alongside ongoing International Criminal Court investigations into senior Israeli officials. Arrest warrants remain in place for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza. U.S. sanctions targeting ICC judges and prosecutors have complicated the proceedings but have not halted them.