South Africa and Israel Expel Each Other’s Diplomats Amid Rising Tensions

Diplomatic relations between South Africa and Israel have reached a new low, with both countries expelling senior diplomats and giving them 72 hours to leave. South Africa declared Israel’s Deputy Ambassador, Ariel Seidman, persona non grata on Friday, citing repeated insults to President Cyril Ramaphosa on official Israeli social media posts and violations of diplomatic protocols.

The South African Foreign Ministry stated that Israeli officials had deliberately failed to notify Pretoria of certain visits, calling it “an unacceptable breach of diplomatic norms and regulations.” Following Israel’s recall of its ambassador in 2023, Seidman has been the most senior Israeli diplomat in South Africa.

Israel Responds

In a swift countermeasure, Israel’s Foreign Ministry announced on X (formerly Twitter) that it was expelling senior South African diplomat Shawn Edward Bainesveldt, also giving him 72 hours to leave the country.

Background of Strained Relations

Tensions between the two nations have long existed. South Africa, a staunch supporter of Palestinian rights, has previously accused Israel at the United Nations of committing atrocities against Palestinians in Gaza. The recent diplomatic fallout reflects the deepening strain over these long-standing disagreements.

Broader Implications

The expulsion of Seidman could further complicate South Africa’s relations with the United States, a close ally of Israel. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has frequently criticized South Africa, accusing it of supporting Iran and Hamas and pursuing an anti-American foreign policy—a charge rejected by Pretoria. Last year, Washington also expelled South African ambassador Ibrahim Rasool over comments related to the “Make America Great Again” movement.

The latest diplomatic standoff underscores the fragility of South Africa-Israel relations and highlights the potential for broader geopolitical repercussions, particularly involving U.S. engagement in the region.