Naledi Pandor, South Africa’s Foreign Minister, has accused Israeli intelligence of attempting to intimidate her in the wake of the Gaza case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), local media sources report.
In an interview with the Mail & Guardian news website on Thursday, Minister Pandor expressed concern for the safety of her family after facing targeting on social media platforms.
She disclosed having discussed security enhancements with Police Minister Bheki Cele after receiving threatening communications.
“The Israeli agents, the intelligence services—this is how they behave, and they seek to intimidate you, so we must not be intimidated. There is a cause that is under way,” she stated.
Israel has not yet responded to the minister’s allegations.
Last month, the ICJ instructed Israel to take measures to prevent genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and submit a report within a month.
South Africa had initiated legal proceedings against Israel at the court, citing alleged human rights violations during the conflict. Minister Pandor affirmed the government’s commitment to pursuing the ICJ case.
Her remarks follow President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent mention of a potential backlash campaign against South Africa in response to the ICJ ruling.