In a dramatic escalation of diplomatic tensions, South Africa has expelled Ariel Seidman, Israel's top diplomat in the country, for allegedly violating diplomatic norms. The South African foreign ministry stated Seidman was declared persona non grata after making 'insulting remarks' about President Cyril Ramaphosa and using official social media to attack him.
The Israeli envoy has been given 72 hours to leave South Africa, following accusations of inviting Israeli officials to the country without permission. This incident highlights the already strained relations between South Africa and Israel, particularly after South Africa's recent allegations against Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice, a charge that Israel has firmly rejected.
The ongoing diplomatic discord is poised to influence international relations, as South Africa has taken a strong stance on Palestinian rights, which in turn has raised tensions with Israel. The Israeli embassy in Pretoria has been contacted for further comment, and it’s worth noting that Israel currently does not have an ambassador in South Africa.
Seidman, who has been in his current role since last year, is responsible not just for South Africa, but also for several neighboring countries including Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Namibia. The expulsion has been described by South Africa's foreign affairs ministry as a gross abuse of diplomatic privilege by Seidman.
The Israeli envoy has been given 72 hours to leave South Africa, following accusations of inviting Israeli officials to the country without permission. This incident highlights the already strained relations between South Africa and Israel, particularly after South Africa's recent allegations against Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice, a charge that Israel has firmly rejected.
The ongoing diplomatic discord is poised to influence international relations, as South Africa has taken a strong stance on Palestinian rights, which in turn has raised tensions with Israel. The Israeli embassy in Pretoria has been contacted for further comment, and it’s worth noting that Israel currently does not have an ambassador in South Africa.
Seidman, who has been in his current role since last year, is responsible not just for South Africa, but also for several neighboring countries including Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Namibia. The expulsion has been described by South Africa's foreign affairs ministry as a gross abuse of diplomatic privilege by Seidman.
