South Africa gives Israeli diplomat 72 hours to leave
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
In a statement, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) accused Seidman of what it described as “unacceptable violations of diplomatic norms and practice,” including the use of official Israeli social media platforms to post insulting remarks directed at President Cyril Ramaphosa.
South Africa has expelled a senior Israeli diplomat, declaring Ariel Seidman, the chargé d’affaires at Israel’s embassy in Pretoria, persona non grata and ordering him to leave the country within 72 hours.
In a statement, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) accused Seidman of what it described as “unacceptable violations of diplomatic norms and practice,” including the use of official Israeli social media platforms to post insulting remarks directed at President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Dirco spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said the alleged violations also included a failure to formally notify South African authorities of visits by senior Israeli officials, actions he said constituted an abuse of diplomatic privilege and a breach of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
“These violations pose a direct challenge to South Africa’s sovereignty,” Phiri said, adding that Seidman’s conduct had “systematically undermined the trust and protocols essential for bilateral relations.” He said the Israeli government had been formally informed of the decision.
According to Dirco, the expulsion followed an incident this week in which officials from the Israeli embassy undertook what the department described as unofficial visits to provincial institutions, including healthcare facilities and Walter Sisulu University, without the knowledge or consent of the provincial government. The meetings were reportedly facilitated by Abathembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo.
The move comes amid strained relations between South Africa and Israel, which have deteriorated sharply since Pretoria filed a case at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide in its military operations in Gaza. Israel has strongly rejected the allegation.
In 2023, South African lawmakers voted in favour of closing Israel’s embassy in Pretoria and suspending diplomatic relations over the war in Gaza, though the resolution was not implemented by the executive.
Phiri said South Africa had urged Israel to ensure that future diplomatic engagement respects South Africa’s sovereignty and adheres to established principles of international diplomacy.
“South Africa’s sovereignty and the dignity of its offices are inviolable,” he said, confirming that Seidman had been instructed to depart the country within 72 hours.
