South Africa expels top Israeli diplomat over social media posts
On Fri, South Africa expelled Israel's chargé d'affaires, Ariel Seidman, citing a series of breaches of diplomatic norms. Seidman was given 72 hours to leave the country and declared persona non grata.
On Fri, South Africa expelled Israel's chargé d'affaires, Ariel Seidman, citing a series of breaches of diplomatic norms. Seidman was given 72 hours to leave the country and declared persona non grata.
The South African Department of International Relations reported that the violations involved the use of official Israeli social media platforms for launching insulting attacks against President Cyril Ramaphosa. Additionally, Seidman allegedly failed to inform South African authorities about visits by senior Israeli officials.
Following the expulsion, Israel declared South Africa's senior diplomatic representative, Shaun Edward Byneveldt, persona non grata, imposing the same deadline for departure.
On Fri, South Africa expelled Israel's chargé d'affaires, Ariel Seidman, citing a series of breaches of diplomatic norms.
Diplomatic relations between South Africa and Israel have been strained since South Africa initiated a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice regarding actions in Gaza. Israel denies these allegations and accuses South Africa of supporting the Palestinian group Hamas.
The expulsion of Seidman may elicit a response from the United States, a key ally of Israel. The U.S. administration under President Donald Trump has been critical of South Africa, citing perceived support for Iran and Hamas and alleging an anti-American foreign policy, which South Africa disputes.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
