In early 2025, diplomatic tensions between the United States and South Africa escalated significantly. After South Africa filed a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza, the U.S. government strongly condemned the move. In a dramatic response, the U.S. expelled South Africa's ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, from Washington, D.C., with Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeling him a “race-baiting politician” and “anti-American.” Additionally, U.S. officials have hinted at the possible closure of their consulate in Johannesburg over South African political decisions, such as the proposed renaming of a street after Palestinian figure Leila Khaled.
Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to maintain strong diplomatic and economic ties with countries such as Israel, a nation that has faced repeated international criticism for human rights violations. These actions raise questions about whether the U.S. is selectively enforcing its human rights values based on strategic interests.
If the U.S. truly upholds human rights and democracy, why is it pressuring South Africa to use international legal channels like the ICJ?