South Africa expels 'Israel’s' top diplomat
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South Africa has declared Ariel Seidman, the top diplomat at 'Israel’s' embassy in Pretoria, persona non grata and ordered him to leave the country within 72 hours, citing repeated violations of diplomatic norms, including insulting President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The South African foreign ministry accused Seidman, who serves as chargé d’affaires, of using official 'Israeli' social media accounts to attack Ramaphosa and inviting 'Israeli' officials to South Africa without notifying local authorities.
The ministry called his actions “a gross abuse of diplomatic privilege” and a direct challenge to South Africa’s sovereignty.
Strained relations
Diplomatic ties between South Africa and 'Israel' have been tense since South Africa filed a genocide case against 'Israel' at the International Court of Justice over actions in Gaza.
In 2023, South African lawmakers voted to close the 'Israeli' embassy and suspend diplomatic relations, but the measure was not implemented.
Regional responsibilities
Seidman, appointed last year, also oversees 'Israel’s' diplomatic relations with Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Namibia. 'Israel' currently does not have an ambassador in South Africa. The 'Israeli' embassy in Pretoria gave no comment regarding Seidman’s expulsion.
