South Africa vows to arrest IDF soldiers serving in Gaza upon return

South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor repeated threats to detain local nationals serving in the IDF in a speech at a Palestinian solidarity rally in Pretoria today (Sunday). Pandor also encouraged attendees to make "Anti-Genocide" posters and protest in front of the Israeli embassy and its "five main supporters."

According to a Breitbart News report, Pandor was following up on a Foreign Ministry warning from December according to which individuals with dual South African-Israeli citizenship would be tried and prosecuted if they joined the IDF without the government's approval.

Following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel, the IDF called up almost all its reservists - including dual citizenship holders enlisted in the armed forces. Thousands of reserve soldiers answered the call, leaving their jobs, spouses, and homes to report for duty in Israel.

The South African government, along with Ireland, have been Israel's top detractors in the international arena since the beginning of the Gaza campaign. In February, the country accused Israel of committing "genocide" against Gazan civilians, taking the case to the Criminal Court of Justice in the Hague.