South Africans joining Israeli army could face prosecution: Foreign Ministry
JOHANNESBURG (AA) – South African citizens joining the Israeli army amid its war on Gaza could face prosecution back home, the Foreign Ministry has warned.
“The South African Government is gravely concerned by reports that some South African citizens and permanent residents have joined or are considering joining the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) in the war in Gaza and in the other Occupied Palestinian Territories,” a ministry statement has said.
“Such action can potentially contribute to the violation of international law and the commission of further international crimes, thus making them liable for prosecution in South Africa,” it added.
The ministry further said that any South African wanting to serve in a foreign army should first apply to the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC) which makes a “recommendation to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans that such an application be granted or refused.”
Any person joining the Israeli army without the necessary permission of the NCACC is “breaking the law and can be prosecuted,” it added.
South Africa, having had a history of liberation struggle against apartheid, has consistently expressed solidarity with Israeli occupied Palestine.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
