WATCH | WHY IS SOUTH AFRICA OFFERING TO BRING HOME AN IDF SOLDIER WHILE PURSUING ISRAEL AT THE ICJ?

Wed 19 August 2026:

South Africa’s decision to assist in the return of Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) soldier Daniel Perez has raised concerns about the country’s foreign policy, especially given the government’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Speaking on the matter, South African Jewish activist, writer, and commentator Paul Hendler suggested that President Ramaphosa’s response was informed by longstanding political and economic ties.

Hendler asked why the President chooses to meet with the family of an IDF soldier while solidarity groups find no sympathy with him on Palestine.

In his comments, Hendler stated that the President’s family meeting was “quite excessive,” noting that he had not shown the solidarity activists any such personal interest “over decades.”

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Furthermore, Hendler added that the South African government should investigate their compatriots allegedly serving in the IDF, noting that they have violated the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act.

He also claimed that President Ramaphosa and the African National Congress (ANC) are strongly tied to South Africa’s economic elites.

Meanwhile, Martin Jansen, the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) executive member, argued that the matter had to be put in the context of political and geopolitical factors.

“It’s more a question of hypocrisy, really,” said Jansen.

“I think it suggests the vacuity of the South African government, which is fairly fragmented, and the ANC, which has lost its majority.”

Jansen also noted that the pressure on South Africa could have been avoided if Cyril Ramaphosa decided to meet the family privately and not publicly.

He added that the optics of such a meeting were designed to send a message to both Israel and America.

Therefore, it may be said that South Africa finds itself in a delicate position.

Although the government pursued a firm policy of criticising Israel and defending Palestine, including taking the matter to the ICJ, some argue that its actions do not always reflect that.

The discussion highlights the complex political and geopolitical dynamics between South Africa, Israel, and Palestine, as well as the challenges that South Africa faces in balancing its criticism of Israel with its political and economic interests.