By Desmond Nleya
South Africa has ordered the expulsion of Israel’s top diplomatic representative, accusing him of serious violations of diplomatic norms and disrespect for the country’s sovereignty.
In a statement released on Friday, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation announced that Ariel Seidman, Israel’s charge d’affaires in Pretoria, has been declared persona non grata and given 72 hours to leave the country.
The department accused Seidman of making “insulting attacks” against President Cyril Ramaphosa on social media and failing to formally notify the South African government of alleged visits by senior Israeli officials.
“These actions constitute a gross abuse of diplomatic privilege and a fundamental breach of the Vienna Convention,” the ministry said, adding that they had undermined trust and violated established diplomatic protocols.
South Africa urged Israel to ensure that future diplomatic engagements respect international norms and South African sovereignty.
Israel responded swiftly, announcing reciprocal measures. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared South African diplomat Shaun Edward Byneveldt persona non grata and ordered him to leave within 72 hours, warning that additional steps may follow.
Byneveldt serves as South Africa’s ambassador to the State of Palestine and operates from Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. South African foreign ministry spokesperson Chrispin Phiri criticised Israel’s response, describing it as evidence of Israel’s refusal to recognise Palestinian statehood and international consensus on the issue.
The diplomatic standoff comes amid escalating tensions between the two countries over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. South Africa filed a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice in December 2023, accusing it of committing genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
South Africa has repeatedly expressed concern over civilian casualties, forced displacement, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. International human rights organisations and UN experts have also raised allegations of genocide and apartheid-like policies in Israel’s treatment of Palestinians.
Israeli military operations in Gaza have reportedly killed more than 71,000 people since October 2023.
The decision to expel the Israeli envoy was welcomed by South Africa’s opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), which described Israel as a “rogue state” and called on the government to sever all diplomatic and economic ties with Tel Aviv.
The party urged South Africa to continue taking firm and principled action against what it described as Israel’s apartheid policies.
