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Legal Scene

December 19, 2025

Israel’s largest coal supplier

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Largest coal supplier

SA is now Israel’s largest coal supplier, following Colombia’s ban

 
South Africa is now the leading coal exporter to Israel, despite accusing the government of genocide

The country has taken Colombia's former position after the South American country implemented a coal export ban in response to Israeli government actions in Gaza

South Africa's exports increased by 87% to 474 000 metric tonnes in the three months to November on an annual basis

For more climate change news and analysis, visit News24 Climate Future

In the wake of Israel's siege of Gaza following the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel, the South African government launched a high-profile case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing it of genocide an allegation Israel
strongly denies

Yet, even as Pretoria presses ahead with the legal action, South Africa's coal exports to Israel have not only continued but accelerated, making the country Israel's largest supplier of coal

Reuters recently reported that South African miners are increasing thermal coal exports to Israel after the once-top supplier, Colombia, imposed a ban on shipments of the power-generation fuel to Israel in August, according to data from Kpler, LSEG, and DBX Commodities

Colombia, which has also been outspoken in its criticism of the Israeli government's actions, has taken a far tougher line, halting all exports to Israel. In July. President Gustavo Petro ordered the navy to intercept and stop any vessels carrying coal destined for Israel. citing what he described as a genocide in Gaza