Diplomatic tensions between South Africa and the United States are intensifying after newly confirmed US Ambassador Brent Bozell indicated that pressuring Pretoria to withdraw its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will be one of his central priorities.
Bozell, who was confirmed by the Republican-led US Senate on 18 December 2025, criticised South Africa’s decision to initiate legal proceedings against Israel, describing the move as unjust and politically motivated. He said the issue has been elevated to a priority level by US President Donald Trump, signalling Washington’s intent to actively push back against the case.
US response to South Africa’s ICJ action
Bozell accused South Africa of aligning itself with Iran, which he described as an enemy of the United States, and argued that Pretoria’s role in the ICJ proceedings undermines international justice rather than advancing it.
He further suggested that Washington would seek to apply pressure on International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Karim Khan to abandon what he characterised as legal actions targeting Israel.
According to Bozell, Israel’s stated support for a ceasefire in Gaza and its conduct during the conflict weaken the legal basis for genocide-related cases brought before international courts.
Firm US support for Israel
The ambassador emphasised that the US-Israel alliance remains unshaken, stating that President Trump is firmly committed to defending Israel on the global stage.
“The relationship between the United States and Israel is strong and enduring,” Bozell said, reinforcing Washington’s position amid growing international scrutiny of Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
South Africa refuses to back down
Despite mounting pressure, South Africa has shown no intention of withdrawing its case. International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has previously stated that Pretoria will not abandon the ICJ proceedings to appease Washington.
Speaking after a recent ANC National Executive Committee meeting, Lamola acknowledged the strained relations with the US but stressed that South Africa remains committed to pursuing international justice.
While Lamola said South Africa is open to mending diplomatic ties with the United States, he made it clear that this would not come at the expense of the country’s legal and moral stance at the ICJ.
As Bozell prepares to formally assume his post in Pretoria, analysts warn that the dispute over Israel could become a defining issue in US–South Africa relations in 2026, with broader implications for diplomacy, trade, and multilateral cooperation.
