Dr. Omri Sender represented Israel at the International Court of Justice in The Hague this month. His advocacy in the case instituted by South Africa was praised as “impeccable” and “extremely convincing.”
Dr. Sender, who has extensive experience in litigation before the International Court of Justice (as well as before other international courts and tribunals), is member of a legal team comprising counsel from the Israeli Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Security Council, and private practice.
The team had three hours to respond to South Africa’s allegations that Israel is violating its obligations under the international Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. The oral hearing was devoted to South Africa’s request for the indication of provisional measures (a temporary order for the preservation of rights while the case is pending).
Now, the 17 judges of the Court, including retired Israeli Supreme Court President Aharon Barak who was appointed by Israel as Judge Ad Hoc, will decide whether to issue an interim order. The Court will not make any conclusive determination at this stage in regard to its jurisdiction (which Israel contests) or the merit of South Africa’s allegations (which Israel emphatically denies).
Dr. Sender’s performance, and that of the entire Israeli delegation, reflects positively on the Israeli legal community as a whole. At S. Horowitz & Co., we take pride in Dr. Sender and the other counsel for Israel for their dedication, professionalism, and dignity.
