ICJ Confirms Written Pleadings Schedule in South Africa v. Israel Genocide Case

The International Court of Justice confirmed the written pleadings schedule for South Africa v. Israel (Case No. 192, Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide). By order of May 21, 2026, the ICJ directed: South Africa to file its Reply by November 22, 2027; Israel to file its Rejoinder by May 22, 2029. The case is now progressing through written pleadings after Israel filed its counter-memorial on March 12, 2026. Interveners in the case as of May 2026 include Namibia, the United States, Hungary, Fiji, the Netherlands, and Iceland. Germany withdrew from Israel's side to prepare for its own ICJ case. The extended timeline means a final ICJ ruling on the merits is unlikely before 2030. The ICJ issued provisional measures in January 2024 ordering Israel to prevent acts of genocide but stopping short of ordering a ceasefire.