Germany asks ICJ to dismiss Nicaragua case over support for Israel

Germany has asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to dismiss a case brought by Nicaragua accusing Berlin of violating its international obligations through its political and military support for Israel during the war in Gaza.

German lawyers began four days of hearings before the UN’s highest court on Monday as Berlin challenges the Court’s jurisdiction and the admissibility of claims brought by Nicaragua.

Nicaragua filed the case in 2024, accusing Germany of facilitating violations of the Genocide Convention and international humanitarian law by providing military assistance to Israel.

As part of the proceedings, Nicaragua asked the ICJ to impose provisional measures requiring Germany to halt assistance to Israel, particularly the supply of military equipment.

In April 2024, the Court declined to issue the requested emergency measures, finding that the circumstances presented at that stage did not warrant their imposition.

The decision did not terminate the case, however, allowing proceedings on Nicaragua’s broader claims against Germany to continue.

Germany is now seeking to have the case dismissed before consideration of its merits. According to the ICJ, Berlin has raised “preliminary objections” concerning the Court’s jurisdiction and the admissibility of certain claims submitted by Nicaragua.

Germany has rejected Nicaragua’s allegations and has maintained that its assistance to Israel is provided in accordance with international law.