Iddo Moed, Israel's ambassador to Canada, speaks about the International Court of Justice's upcoming genocide ruling, civilian deaths in Gaza and Israel's endgame
In this week’s video, John Ivison talks to Iddo Moed, Israel’s ambassador to Canada, about the imminent decision by the International Court of Justice on South Africa’s claim that Israel’s leaders had “genocidal intent” with the invasion of Gaza.
Moed called the charge a “blood libel” and said it presented Israel, as a country that supports the rule of law, with a dilemma. “Was the ICJ used in the proper manner?” he asked. “It turns international law on its head, it’s what we call ‘lawfare’, using a legal instrument in order to attack a law-abiding country.”
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Canada has put forward the muddled position of saying it supports the court but disputes the premise of the case. Moed has called for more clarity on Canada’s position on South Africa’s accusation, which he called “vile and ill-intentioned.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said “nothing will stop” Israel’s security plans, implying he will not comply with the ICJ’s order. But Moed said Israel has proven its efforts to abide by international law by doing its utmost to protect civilians. “It’s in our security interests to make sure those not part of the terrorist machine, that those people must be protected,” he said.
“Israel is a law-abiding country. (But) given the fact that this court might make a decision that would tie our hands in our defence against a genocidal organization, are we going to allow them to butcher, murder and rape civilians in the name of international law or are we going to protect ourselves? I think the answer to that is very clear.”
Moed was speaking the day before the ICJ order was expected, which could pronounce on genocide, or introduce a “provisional measure” like calling for a ceasefire. (It should be noted that the court settles disputes between member states and, since Hamas is not one, it cannot order it to implement a ceasefire).
Ivison raised the worsening conditions on the ground in Gaza and the recurrence of mass civilian deaths.
Moed said the pain is felt on all sides, including the families of the 21 Israeli soldiers who were killed this week while trying to destroy Hamas infrastructure. “We could have bombed that from the air but we paid the price for our humanitarian effort.”
Ivison asked if there was an endgame in sight?
“I can give you a scenario on how it ends – in an hour after Hamas puts down their weapons and releases the 136 hostages…We can’t stop until they are back. But if they are released, within an hour everything will stop,” Moed said.
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Ivison: If Hamas lays down arms and releases the hostages 'everything will stop,' says Israeli envoy
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26.01.2024
Iddo Moed, Israel's ambassador to Canada, speaks about the International Court of Justice's upcoming genocide ruling, civilian deaths in Gaza and Israel's endgame
In this week’s video, John Ivison talks to Iddo Moed, Israel’s ambassador to Canada, about the imminent decision by the International Court of Justice on South Africa’s claim that Israel’s leaders had “genocidal intent” with the invasion of Gaza.
Moed called the charge a “blood libel” and said it presented Israel, as a country that supports the rule of law, with a dilemma. “Was the ICJ used in the proper manner?” he asked. “It turns international law on its head, it’s what we call ‘lawfare’, using a legal instrument in order to attack a law-abiding country.”
Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.
Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading........
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