Netanyahu rejects South Africa's allegation that Israel is committing genocide in war against Hamas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chairs a meeting in Tel Aviv, Israel, on December 31. Abir Sultan/Pool/AP

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected South Africa’s claim that Israel is committing genocide in its war against Hamas.

Netanyahu's comments came after South Africa filed an application with the International Court of Justice Friday to begin proceedings over the genocide allegations.

"I would like to say a word on South Africa's false accusation that Israel is 'committing genocide.' No, South Africa, it's not us who came to commit genocide, it's Hamas. They would kill us all if they could," he said, adding that the Israel Defense Forces is acting in “the most moral way” and “does everything to avoid harming civilians.”

He went on to accuse South Africa of only filing the case for show, and listed other conflicts where he said the country did not take steps to intervene.

"And I ask: Where were you, South Africa — and the rest of those who slander us — where were you when millions were murdered and displaced from their homes in Syria, Yemen and other arenas? You weren't there," he said.

Some background: Israel’s aerial bombardment and ground invasion of Gaza, in response to Hamas’ deadly terror attacks and kidnapping rampage on October 7, have caused widespread devastation in the densely-inhabited coastal strip, prompting outcry from aid groups and growing pressure from the international community.

US President Joe Biden said earlier this month that Israel is engaged in “indiscriminate bombing” in Gaza. US intelligence assessments suggest nearly half of the air-to-ground munitions that Israel has used in Gaza have been unguided, otherwise known as “dumb bombs.” Unguided munitions are typically less precise and can pose a greater threat to civilians.

Proponents of Israel’s campaign argue such heavy munitions act as bunker busters, helping to destroy Hamas’ underground tunnel infrastructure. However, such bombs are normally used sparingly by Western militaries, experts say. International humanitarian law prohibits indiscriminate bombing.

Nearly 21,700 people have been killed in Gaza since October 7, according to the enclave’s Hamas-controlled health ministry. CNN cannot independently verify the ministry's figures.