South Africa has ordered the expulsion of Israel’s top diplomatic representative, accusing the official of conduct that violates diplomatic norms and undermines the country’s sovereignty.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation announced on Friday that Ariel Seidman, Israel’s charge d’affaires, has been declared persona non grata and given 72 hours to leave the country. The decision follows allegations that Seidman engaged in actions deemed incompatible with diplomatic responsibilities.
Government Cites Breach of Diplomatic Protocol
In a formal statement, the ministry accused Seidman of making what it described as “insulting attacks” against President Cyril Ramaphosa on social media. Authorities also cited his alleged failure to properly notify the government about visits by senior Israeli officials to South Africa.
“These actions amount to a serious abuse of diplomatic privilege and a clear violation of the Vienna Convention,” the department said, adding that the conduct had eroded trust and disrupted established diplomatic protocols.
South Africa further urged the Israeli government to ensure that future diplomatic engagements respect international norms and the sovereignty of the republic.
Israel Responds With Counter-Expulsion
The announcement prompted an immediate response from Israel. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had declared Shaun Edward Byneveldt, a senior South African diplomat, persona non grata and ordered him to leave within 72 hours.
“Further measures will be considered at a later stage,” the ministry said in a statement shared publicly.
According to South African government records, Byneveldt serves as South Africa’s ambassador to the State of Palestine and operates from Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.
Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for South Africa’s foreign affairs ministry, criticised Israel’s decision, arguing that it reflects resistance to international consensus on Palestinian statehood. He said the situation forces an “absurd diplomatic arrangement” in which an ambassador to Palestine must be accredited through the occupying power.
Escalating Tensions Amid Gaza War
The diplomatic standoff unfolds against the backdrop of worsening relations between South Africa and Israel, driven largely by Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza.
In late 2023, South Africa filed a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing it of committing genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. At the time, South African officials cited widespread civilian casualties, forced displacement, and the use of indiscriminate force.
International human rights organisations and United Nations experts have also raised concerns over Israel’s conduct in Gaza, where tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, triggering a severe humanitarian crisis.
Domestic Support for the Expulsion
South Africa’s decision was welcomed by the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, which praised the government for taking a firm stance.
The party accused Israel of repeatedly defying international law and called on Pretoria to take further steps, including cutting diplomatic and economic ties.
EFF officials urged the government to maintain what they described as a principled position against policies they likened to apartheid, drawing parallels with South Africa’s own historical experience.