German intervention in ICJ genocide case 'politically motivated to help Israel': Report

One of Germany's most renowned lawyers dealing with internal law, Stefan Talmon, has come out against the country's support of Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) last week.

"Rushing to make a public announcement of intervention only two hours after the close of the oral hearings on provisional measures, and before the ICJ could examine, let alone find that, prima facie, it had jurisdiction to deal with the case, was politically motivated. It seems as if the Federal Government, by hook or by crook, wanted to show its support for Israel," he said in a post on his website. 

"Against this background the rushed and unilateral action on 12 January 2024 seems ill advised. Announcing the intention to intervene before the court could even rule on the question of jurisdiction seems disrespectful towards the ICJ and may ultimately undermine the credibility and strength of Germany’s intervention," he added.

"Many states, especially in the global south, will see the German intervention as another example of double standards in international law," said Talmon.