Germany Withdraws Support for Israel at ICJ Genocide Case
Germany has reversed its earlier stance and will no longer intervene in support of Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the case brought by South Africa alleging genocide in Gaza. The decision comes as Germany itself faces scrutiny at the ICJ over its support for Israel during the conflict.
Shift in German Position
In late 2023, following South Africa’s filing of a genocide case against Israel at the ICJ in The Hague, Germany announced its intention to intervene as a third party in support of Israel. However, on Thursday, March 19, 2026, Andreas Peschke, a spokesperson for the German Foreign Ministry, confirmed that Germany would not be filing an intervention as reported by /explain/.
Nicaragua’s Case Against Germany
The change in position is directly linked to a case brought by Nicaragua against Germany, alleging that Germany violated international law by continuing to supply arms to Israel during the Gaza war. While the ICJ rejected Nicaragua’s request for emergency measures, it agreed to hear the case. Middle East Monitor reports that Nicaragua has called for Germany to halt arms shipments to Israel and resume funding for UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
Germany’s Previous Support for Israel
Germany is Israel’s second-largest weapons supplier after the United States and had previously refrained from publicly criticizing Israel’s military actions. In November, Germany lifted a partial arms embargo on Israel. Despite this, a German foreign ministry spokesperson, Josef Hinterseher, stated that Germany categorically rejects Nicaragua’s allegations. Middle East Monitor
International Interventions at the ICJ
The United States has submitted an intervention supporting Israel, arguing that the genocide claim is part of a campaign to delegitimize Israel and justify terrorism. Paraguay was the first nation to file in support of Israel. Over 18 countries have submitted interventions, offering interpretations of the Genocide Convention. Iceland and the Netherlands have recently joined the majority of nations filing critical statements regarding Israel’s actions. Wikipedia
ICJ Proceedings
As of March 13, 2026, declarations of intervention in the proceedings have been filed by Namibia, the United States, Hungary and Fiji according to the ICJ. Israel has submitted a response to South Africa’s claims, arguing that the ICJ lacks jurisdiction in the case and that it should be dismissed. The content of Israel’s response remains confidential.