The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have criticized President Cyril Ramaphosa for what they describe as indecisiveness and hypocrisy regarding South Africa’s stance on the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The EFF’s remarks come after Ramaphosa stated that South Africa, as a signatory to the Rome Statute, would honor the ICC’s warrant should Netanyahu visit the country.
EFF leader Julius Malema accused Ramaphosa of delivering “lip service and double standards” in South Africa’s foreign policy. Malema argued that while Ramaphosa has made strong statements about justice for Palestinians, his government has failed to implement meaningful sanctions or sever diplomatic ties with Israel.
“Ramaphosa is trying to play both sides—talking about justice for Palestinians while maintaining diplomatic and economic relations with Israel. This is hypocrisy at its finest,” Malema stated.
The EFF has consistently criticized Israel, accusing it of apartheid-like policies toward Palestinians and calling for South Africa to cut all ties with the country. However, the African National Congress (ANC) government, led by Ramaphosa, has maintained its diplomatic relationship with Israel, a point of contention for the EFF.
Malema further challenged Ramaphosa to take decisive action, arguing that the president’s failure to isolate Israel on the global stage undermines South Africa’s moral leadership. “If Ramaphosa is serious about holding Netanyahu accountable, South Africa must immediately cut ties with Israel and impose sanctions,” Malema demanded.
Ramaphosa has reiterated that South Africa will honor its obligations under the Rome Statute, which established the ICC. The ICC’s warrant against Netanyahu stems from alleged war crimes related to Israel’s operations in Gaza. While some ANC leaders have voiced support for stronger action, no significant changes to South Africa’s diplomatic stance toward Israel have been announced.
The EFF continues to press for aggressive measures, warning that anything short of severing ties with Israel would amount to a failure of leadership. “Ramaphosa must lead with action, not just empty rhetoric,” Malema added.
As debates around South Africa’s foreign policy persist, the EFF’s critique highlights growing tensions over the country’s approach to global human rights issues and its response to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
