South Africa and Israel have expelled each other’s senior diplomats, marking a further deterioration in relations.
Pretoria declared Ariel Seidman, Israel’s chargé d’affaires, persona non grata, citing diplomatic breaches and social media attacks on President Cyril Ramaphosa. Israel responded by expelling Shaun Edward Byneveldt, South Africa’s most senior envoy, giving both diplomats 72 hours to depart.
The dispute reflects deepening tensions since Israel’s Gaza offensive following the October 2023 attack by Hamas.
Key developments
• South Africa accuses Israel of violating the Vienna Convention.
• Israel rejects allegations and cites South Africa’s “hostile” international stance.
• Pretoria has filed a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.
• Israel denies genocide and says it is complying with international law.
• The case has strained South Africa’s ties with the US under Donald Trump.
• Incoming US envoy Leo Brent Bozell has said urging South Africa to drop the case will be a priority.
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