Israel said on Thursday that it expects the International Court of Justice to “drop” the charges against it in South Africa’s lawsuit for genocide in Gaza.

Israeli government spokesman Elon Levy said in a briefing to reporters via the Zoom platform: “We will wait for what the court says.”

Levy added: "We of course expect it (the court) to completely dismiss the false and misleading accusations made by South Africa."

The International Court of Justice said in a statement on Wednesday that it “will issue its order on Friday regarding the request to indicate interim measures submitted by South Africa in the case related to the application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip.”

It added: "A plenary session will be held at the Peace Palace in The Hague, during which Judge Joan Donoghue, President of the Court, will read the court order."

On December 29, 2023, South Africa filed an “application to institute proceedings against Israel regarding alleged violations by Israel of its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide with respect to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip,” according to a court statement.

“In its application, South Africa also requested the Court to indicate interim measures in order to protect against further grave and serious crimes and irreparable harm to the rights of the Palestinian people under the Genocide Convention” and “to ensure that Israel complies with its obligations under the Genocide Convention not to participate in Any acts of genocide."

Public hearings were held on South Africa's request on January 11 and 12.

South Africa is asking the court to issue nine interim decisions, including ordering Israel to immediately cease military operations in Gaza, and not to take steps that would enhance any military operation in Gaza by any group under its control.

It also calls on South Africa to take all necessary measures to prevent genocide against Palestinians, to refrain from any action that falls within the scope of Article 2 of the Genocide Convention, and to ensure that displaced persons return to their homes and have access to humanitarian assistance, including food, water, fuel, medical materials, adequate hygiene, and shelter. And clothes.

Also take the necessary steps to punish those involved in acts of genocide, preserve evidence of genocide and not prevent international personnel and other officials from accessing Gaza for this purpose, submit regular reports to the court on the implementation of the aforementioned measures, and refrain from actions that would complicate or prolong the case. Extend it.