An Israeli representative says Israel will defend itself against genocide accusations filed by South Africa with the world court.

Eylon Levy, a staffer in the Israeli prime minister’s office, on Tuesday accused South Africa of “giving political and legal cover” to Hamas’ October 7th attack that triggered Israel’s war against the terror organization.

Levy says Israel will appear before the International Court of Justice at the Hague to dispel what he called South Africa’s “absurd blood libel.”

South Africa launched the case Friday at the U.N.’s top court, accusing Israel of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and asking the court to order Israel to halt its attacks.

The Israeli response signals the government is taking the case seriously.

(The Associated Press)