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South Africa has formally expelled Israel’s most senior diplomat in the country, escalating already tense relations between Pretoria and Tel Aviv.
The Department of International Relations and Co-operation (Dirco) has declared Ariel Seidman, Israel’s chargé d’affaires in South Africa, persona non grata, ordering him to leave the country within 72 hours for what it describes as repeated violations of diplomatic protocol.
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Dirco Cites ‘Gross Abuse’ of Diplomatic Privilege
According to Dirco, Seidman crossed several red lines during his tenure, including allegedly using official Tel Aviv government social media accounts to publicly criticise President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Dirco spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said the decision followed a pattern of conduct that South Africa viewed as unacceptable.
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“This decisive measure follows a series of unacceptable violations of diplomatic norms and practices which pose a direct challenge to South Africa’s sovereignty,” Phiri said.
He added that the violations went beyond public remarks and included diplomatic procedural breaches.
“These violations include the repeated use of official Israeli social media platforms to launch insulting attacks against President Cyril Ramaphosa and a deliberate failure to inform Dirco of purported visits by senior Israeli officials.”
Phiri said such behaviour undermined established diplomatic conventions.
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“Such actions represent a gross abuse of diplomatic privilege and a fundamental breach of the Vienna Convention. They have systematically undermined the trust and protocols essential for bilateral relations.”
72-Hour Deadline Issued To Israel Diplomat as Tensions Deepen
Dirco confirmed that Seidman must leave South Africa within three days.
“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.
The department also issued a warning to Israel regarding future diplomatic engagements.
“We urge the Israeli government to ensure its future diplomatic conduct demonstrates respect for the republic and the established principles of international engagement.”
Israel currently does not have an ambassador stationed in South Africa. Seidman, who was appointed last year, also oversaw diplomatic relations with Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius and Namibia.
Genocide Case and Gaza War Strain Relations
Diplomatic relations between South Africa and the Middle East country have steadily deteriorated since Pretoria launched a case at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza — an allegation Israel strongly denies.
In 2023, South Africa withdrew its diplomatic staff from the country in a move that underscored its pro-Palestinian stance.
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Earlier this month, a Tel Aviv foreign affairs delegation reportedly visited the Eastern Cape to meet King Buyelekhaya Zwelibanzi Dalindyebo, following his visit to Jerusalem in December. Dirco claims it was not formally notified of the visit.
SurgeZirc SA has approached the Israeli embassy in Pretoria for comment.
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