South Africa Declares Israeli Envoy Persona Non Grata Amidst Strained Diplomatic Relations
- South Africa expelled Israel’s top diplomat for "violating diplomatic norms", sparking a swift retaliation from Israel
- The move deepened already strained relations between the two nations, which have clashed over South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the ICJ
- Both countries now face a worsening diplomatic rift, with their most senior envoys ordered to leave within 72 hours
South Africa’s foreign affairs ministry announced that Ariel Seidman, chargé d’affaires at the Israeli embassy, had been declared persona non grata and was given 72 hours to leave the country. Officials said Seidman’s actions "represent a gross abuse of diplomatic privilege".
The ministry accused him of using official social media platforms to attack President Cyril Ramaphosa and of inviting Israeli officials to South Africa without government approval, BBC reported.
Source: Getty Images
Hours after the announcement, Israel responded by expelling South Africa’s representative in the country, Shaun Edward Byneveldt. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said that "following South Africa's false attacks against Israel in the international arena and the unilateral, baseless step taken" against Seidman, Byneveldt was also declared persona non grata and ordered to leave within 72 hours.
The Israeli government told the BBC that "additional steps will be considered in due course".
Relations between South Africa and Israel remain strained
Relations between the two countries have been tense since South Africa accused Israel of genocide against Palestinians at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), a charge Israel has rejected. Neither country currently has an ambassador in the other, meaning the expelled diplomats were their most senior representatives.
Seidman’s role and controversial ties
Seidman was appointed chargé d’affaires at Israel’s embassy in South Africa last year. His responsibilities also extended to neighbouring countries including Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius and Namibia.
Since his appointment, his close ties with Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, a controversial South African king and nephew of Nelson Mandela, had drawn criticism from Ramaphosa’s government. Dalindyebo visited Israel in December and met senior officials without the knowledge of South Africa’s authorities. Following his return, an Israeli delegation visited the Eastern Cape, promising aid.
Israeli officials recently shared videos and images on X showing their trip to Dalindyebo’s province. They said the visit was aimed at discussing "concrete assistance in water, health and agriculture".
South Africa recognises several monarchs representing different ethnic groups and clans. However, these monarchs hold no formal political authority, making the Israeli delegation’s engagement with Dalindyebo a sensitive issue for the government.
Source: Getty Images
S.Africa says talks with Trump aim to salvage trade
Legit.ng earlier reported that securing South Africa's trade ties with the United States will be a key aim of President Cyril Ramaphosa, who Monday began a Washington visit that will feature a meeting with Donald Trump, Ramaphosa's office said.
Ramaphosa arrived late Monday accompanied by four cabinet ministers on the high-stakes visit. He is expected to meet Trump at the White House on Wednesday. "The purpose of the visit is to reset and revitalise bilateral relations between South Africa and the United States (US)," read a statement issued by the Pretoria presidency.
Source: Legit.ng
