Israel's government has expressed strong opposition to the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Nabil Pillay, an 85-year-old judge at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
In a statement released on October 9, the Israeli Foreign Ministry criticized the Nobel Committee for awarding what it called "the biggest lie of the 21st century," adding that "Joseph Goebbels would be cheering from hell." Goebbels was a prominent figure in Nazi Germany known for his propaganda efforts.
The ministry accused Pillay of being a "leading candidate" for the prize if it were awarded for "lies, hatred, and blood libel," claiming he has demonized Israel and incited false allegations of genocide.
Furthermore, the ministry stated that awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to Pillay does not represent the realization of justice, but rather weaponizes the award to justify anti-Israel hatred and prejudice.
Israel's backlash stems from the activities of the independent international commission of inquiry on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, which Pillay led. The commission concluded in September of last year that Israel had committed genocide against Palestinian residents in the Gaza Strip. Israel has categorically denied these findings.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced on the same day that Pillay was selected as this year's Nobel Peace Prize laureate for his contributions to promoting peace and international law, as well as holding accountable those responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
Originally from South Africa, Pillay defended anti-apartheid activists, including former President Nelson Mandela, during the apartheid era. He later served as a judge at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Criminal Court (ICC), and held the position of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2008 to 2014.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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