South Africa has expelled Israel’s top Diplomat over alleged diplomatic violations and social media remarks, prompting Israel to order a reciprocal expulsion.
South Africa Expels Israel’s Top Diplomat over Social Media Post
South Africa has ordered Israel’s top diplomat to leave the country within 72 hours, escalating already strained diplomatic relations between the two nations.
In a statement released Friday, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation said it had expelled Ariel Seidman, the chargé d’affaires at the Israeli Embassy in Pretoria, and declared him persona non grata. The move effectively bars him from continuing diplomatic duties in the country.
The South African government accused Seidman of repeatedly violating diplomatic protocols and undermining bilateral relations through social media posts that allegedly insulted President Cyril Ramaphosa. Officials also cited failures to properly notify South Africa of visits by Israeli officials.
Seidman had been Israel’s most senior diplomatic representative in South Africa since Israel recalled its ambassador in 2023.
Within hours of the announcement, Israel’s Foreign Ministry said it would expel a senior South African diplomat, Shaun Edward Byneveldt, ordering him to leave Israel within the same 72-hour timeframe in a reciprocal response.
Relations between the two countries have been tense for months, particularly after South Africa filed a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing it of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Israel has firmly rejected the allegations and accused South Africa of advancing the interests of Hamas by bringing the case.
The diplomatic fallout is also likely to draw attention from the United States, a close ally of Israel. The Trump administration has previously criticized South Africa, accusing it of supporting Iran and Hamas — claims South Africa has denied.
Last year, the United States expelled South Africa’s ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, following comments he made about the “Make America Great Again” movement.
South Africa’s Foreign Ministry said the decision to expel Seidman followed “a series of unacceptable violations of diplomatic norms” and described the conduct as a direct challenge to the country’s sovereignty.
Some members of South Africa’s Jewish community criticized the move. Karen Milner, chairperson of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, described the expulsion as a drastic step based on what she characterized as limited social media activity.
Follow Dalmar TV on Facebook for the Latest News
