South Africa expels top Israeli diplomat

South Africa has declared Ariel Seidman, a top diplomat at Israel’s embassy persona non grata, ordering him to leave the country within 72 hours.

The South African foreign ministry accused embassy chargé d’affaires of “unacceptable violations of diplomatic norms and practice”, including insulting President Cyril Ramaphosa.

“These violations include the repeated use of official Israeli social media platforms to launch insulting attacks” on Ramaphosa, as well as a “deliberate failure” to notify the South African authorities about visits by senior Israeli officials.

Diplomatic relations between South Africa and Israel have been strained since South Africa brought a genocide case over Israel’s actions in Gaza at the International Court of Justice.

South African lawmakers in 2023 voted in favour of closing down the Israeli embassy in Pretoria and suspending all diplomatic relations over the war in Gaza, but that decision was never implemented.

Spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said his department has informed the Israeli government of its decision.

“This decisive measure follows a series of unacceptable violations of diplomatic norms and practice, which pose a direct challenge to South Africa’s sovereignty.

“These violations include the repeated use of official Israeli social media platforms to launch insulting attacks against His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa, and a deliberate failure to inform Dirco of purported visits by senior Israeli officials,” Phiri said.

Phiri added that Seidman’s actions represent an abuse of diplomatic privilege and a breach of the Vienna Convention.

“They have systematically undermined the trust and protocols essential for bilateral relations. South Africa’s sovereignty and the dignity of its offices are inviolable. Mr Seidman is required to depart from the Republic within 72 hours.”

Phiri said Dirco has urged the Israeli government to ensure its future diplomatic conduct demonstrates respect for the Republic of South Africa and the established principles of international engagement.

It comes after officials from the Israeli embassy embarked on an unofficial visit this week to provincial institutions.

The visits, which included stops at healthcare facilities and Walter Sisulu University, occurred without the knowledge or consent of the provincial government.

The meetings were facilitated by Abathembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo.

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