What Ramaphosa said at the White House to defend South Africa is nearly identical to claims made by Israel to refute the genocide and apartheid charges his country brought against it.
Is the Genocide Case Urgent?
South Africa: We need 18 months to prepare a thorough response to Israel’s utterly absurd rebuttal of our evidence that they are guilty of genocide.
Judge: But two years have already gone by. . .
Israel: If the evidence is so clear, why do you need another 18 months?
South Africa: To do a thorough job.
Judge: Fine. You have until November 2027.
Israel: Then we should get 18 months to write our response.
Judge: Fine. You have until May 2029.
South Africa: But this case is urgent!
Israel: So why don’t you let the judges decide today based on the evidence you’ve already submitted?
South Africa: No thanks, we’d rather not.
Based on a May 21, 2026 ruling of the ICJ giving South Africa 18 months to submit an additional brief, then Israel 18 months to reply.