opinion: Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng is fundamentally wrong when he infers that South Africa “hates Israel,” or that it “curses Israel,” writes Shannon Ebrahim.
The Chief Justice of South Africa Mogoeng Mogoeng descended down a dangerous path this week when he chose to criticise the foreign policy of his own country by quoting Bible verses and defending Israel in a Jerusalem Post webinar.
The advancement of human rights, freedoms, and the rule of law are the foundational values of our democracy. The role of the state is to promote those values. Our foreign policy is centred on human rights, and as a country we have an obligation to respect and defend international law both at home and abroad.
States have an obligation under international law not to recognise acts of wrongdoing by other states, and South Africa is bound by that obligation as much as any other country. South Africa cannot defend what Israel is doing when we are bound by the following legal obligation: “All states shall cooperate to bring an end through lawful means to any serious breach of international law.”
What South Africa has taken exception to is that Palestinians endure systematic discrimination. While settlers living in settlements - deemed illegal under international law - are provided with services and allowed civil liberties such as freedom of movement and the issuance of building permits, these are denied to Palestinians.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Chief Justice Mogoeng’s love for 'apartheid Israel' upsets ANCThe ANC said it was concerned about sentiments attributed to Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng expressing his apparent support for “apartheid Israel”.
Read more »
ANC expresses concern over Mogoeng’s purported Israel-Palestine remarksThe Jerusalem Post reported that the Chief Justice lamented South Africa's adoption of a lopsided attitude towards the Israel-Palestinian conflict.
Read more »
ANC calls on Modise to query Mogoeng’s ‘political commentary’ on IsraelThe ruling party takes issue with chief justice's comments on SA's policy towards Israel
Read more »
Israel urged at UN to back away from West Bank annexation planIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to start annexation process on July 1
Read more »
Chief Justice Mogoeng’s love for 'apartheid Israel' upsets ANCThe ANC said it was concerned about sentiments attributed to Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng expressing his apparent support for “apartheid Israel”.
Read more »
ANC calls on Modise to query Mogoeng’s ‘political commentary’ on IsraelThe ruling party takes issue with chief justice's comments on SA's policy towards Israel
Read more »