Portrait of Julius Malema
Politician · country
Wikipedia (opens in new tab)

Julius Malema on Palestine

Strong supporter of Palestine (strong)

TL;DR

Julius Malema advocates for the complete isolation of Israel until Palestinian human rights are respected and secured.

Key Points

  • He proposed a motion in the National Assembly for the closure of the Israeli embassy in Pretoria and the suspension of all diplomatic relations with Israel as of November 2023.

  • He has explicitly stated there is no antisemitism in opposing injustice, particularly apartheid, and that Zionism does not equate to Jewishness or Judaism.

  • He calls for international isolation of Israel through boycott, disinvestment, and sanctions until Israel ends its military occupation and grants Palestinian refugees the right of return.

Summary

Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), maintains a consistently strong stance in support of Palestine. His core position demands that South Africa suspend all diplomatic relations with Israel and close its embassy in Pretoria until the human rights of Palestinians are respected, promoted, and protected. He has publicly accused the Israeli regime of practicing apartheid and committing war crimes, including the alleged targeting of civilians, hospitals, and journalists, describing the conflict as a campaign to remove Palestinians from their land. He explicitly rejects the claim that opposing Israel's actions is antisemitic, asserting that Zionism is separate from Jewishness or Judaism.

This position has been articulated in parliamentary debates and at party events, where the call for international action against Israel via boycott, disinvestment, and sanctions (BDS) is a key policy plank for the EFF. Malema calls for the right of return for Palestinian refugees to be honoured. While other political parties in South Africa have urged caution, arguing that maintaining diplomatic ties is crucial for influencing a peaceful resolution, Malema and the EFF maintain that the moral imperative of supporting Palestinian liberation outweighs the utility of maintaining diplomatic channels with the Israeli government.

Key Quotes

“We call on the Ramaphosa ANC government to shut down the Israeli embassy in Pretoria and end all diplomatic relations with that brutal apartheid Israeli regime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Julius Malema's main stance is one of strong solidarity with Palestine, demanding an end to the Israeli occupation. He has consistently called for the South African government to sever diplomatic ties with Israel until Palestinian human rights are respected.

Yes, Julius Malema proposed a motion in the National Assembly calling for the immediate closure of the Israeli embassy in Pretoria. He argues that diplomatic relations should be suspended until Israel respects international law regarding Palestinians.

Yes, he has actively called for the world to impose boycotts, disinvestment, and sanctions against Israel. He frames this pressure as necessary until the 'brutal apartheid Israeli regime' ends its military occupation.