South Africa has ordered Israel’s top diplomat in the country to leave within 72 hours after declaring him persona non grata, in a move that signals a further deterioration in already strained relations between both nations.
In a statement released on Friday, South Africa’s foreign ministry said the decision was taken over what it described as “unacceptable violations of diplomatic norms” and “insulting attacks” directed at President Cyril Ramaphosa through official Israeli social media platforms.
The diplomat, Ariel Seidman, was formally informed that he must depart South Africa within three days, with the ministry accusing Israel of actions that have repeatedly undermined diplomatic trust and protocol.
“These actions represent a gross abuse of diplomatic privilege and a fundamental breach of the Vienna Convention,” the statement said, adding that the conduct had “systematically undermined the trust and protocols essential for bilateral relations.”
The expulsion comes amid long-running tensions between Pretoria and Tel Aviv over the war in Gaza. South Africa has been one of Israel’s most outspoken critics internationally, including filing a case at the United Nations’ top court in 2023, accusing Israel of genocide.
South Africa also criticised Israel for allegedly failing to notify its government about visits by senior Israeli officials.
The latest dispute intensified after an Israeli delegation reportedly visited the Eastern Cape, offering support in areas such as water supply, healthcare and agriculture an engagement Pretoria reportedly viewed as a breach of established diplomatic procedures.
The development is expected to further strain bilateral ties as South Africa continues to take a firm stance on the Gaza conflict and related diplomatic engagements.
