Former 'Israeli' commander cancels South Africa trip over arrest fears

A former senior Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) official has called off a visit to South Africa amid concerns that he could face arrest over his role in 'Israel’s' assault on the Gaza Strip.

According to 'Israel’s' public broadcaster KAN, Major General Doron Almog, who currently chairs the executive of the Jewish Agency for Israel, cancelled his planned trip on Sunday. Almog was scheduled to meet with members of the Jewish community in South Africa but decided against traveling after reports suggested he might be targeted by legal action.

The development comes against the backdrop of South Africa’s ongoing case against 'Israel' at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Tel Aviv of committing genocide and war crimes in Gaza in violation of the 1948 Genocide Convention.

- Background -

Almog previously headed the IOF’s Southern Command from 2000 to 2003, overseeing operations in Gaza during a period marked by extensive military action. In 2005, he narrowly avoided arrest in the United Kingdom after a warrant was issued over his role in the demolition of dozens of Palestinian homes in Rafah. Almog never left his plane and immediately returned to 'Israel' at the time.

Founded in 1929, the Jewish Agency for Israel operates as the executive arm of the Zionist movement, promoting Jewish migration to historic Palestine.

The fear of arrest is not limited to Almog. Multiple 'Israeli' officials and military figures have faced legal challenges abroad as human rights groups pursue accountability for alleged war crimes in Gaza.