Ankara. Long-simmering diplomatic tensions between South Africa and Israel have now escalated into open confrontation. South Africa has ordered Israel’s Deputy and Acting Ambassador Ariel Seidman to leave the country. Israel has responded by expelling a senior South African diplomat, who is also expected to leave the country within 72 hours.
The South African Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared Ariel Seidman persona non grata on Friday. The government alleged that Seidman’s behavior and public statements undermined the country’s dignity and sovereignty. Here are the reasons behind the expulsion:
Comment on the President: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says President Cyril Ramaphosa was insulted through a post on social media.
Diplomatic norms ignored: Information about Israeli officials’ visits to South Africa was not formally shared. Israeli Foreign Ministry official David Saranga was recently in the country.
Sovereignty in question: South Africa alleges that Israel’s official social media platforms were used to spread derogatory attacks against the government.
Israel’s swift counterattack
Within hours of South Africa’s decision, Israel also responded strongly. The Israeli Foreign Ministry expelled senior South African diplomat Shaun Edward Bieneveld and ordered him to leave the country within 72 hours.
Why did the relationship deteriorate?
Tension between the two countries is not new.
Gaza War and ICJ Case: South Africa has filed a petition against Israel in the International Court of Justice, accusing it of genocide against Palestinians.
Controversy over Hamas: Israel has alleged that South Africa is supporting Hamas and fighting its legal battles.
Diplomatic downgrades: Israel recalled its chief ambassador in 2023, leaving Ariel Seidman as the most senior official.
Will America intervene?
The US is closely monitoring this controversy. Under President Donald Trump, the US has been a vocal critic of South Africa’s foreign policy. Washington has accused the country of taking a soft stance on Iran and Hamas. Last year, the US expelled South African Ambassador Ibrahim Rasool due to his comments on the MAGA movement.
Questions also arose within the country
There have been protests in South Africa over this decision. Karen Milner, president of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, called it an excessively harsh measure. She said that expelling a senior diplomat based on a few social media posts is not appropriate in the context of international diplomacy.
-
SpaceX–xAI merger bets big on orbital AI, raises strategic questions for India
-
Tariffs, tantrums and the China juggernaut
-
Rare earths provide a rare opportunity
-
Walmart hits $1 trillion market value, joins club dominated by Big Tech giants
-
Firing at Rohit Shetty's residence: Suspected shooter spotted in CCTV cameras near railway station
