In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, South Africa has declared Israel’s chargé d’affaires, Ariel Seidman, persona non grata and ordered him to leave the country within 72 hours. This move comes in response to what South Africa’s foreign affairs ministry described as repeated violations of diplomatic norms, including insulting President Cyril Ramaphosa.
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The decision to expel Seidman was announced on Friday, with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) citing “insulting attacks” on President Ramaphosa on social media and the “abuse of diplomatic privilege.” This action marks a sharp deterioration in relations between South Africa and Israel, with potential repercussions for broader international diplomacy.
The Israeli embassy has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter, leaving the situation tense and unresolved. The expulsion of a top Israeli diplomat is likely to strain relations not only between South Africa and Israel but also with other countries, particularly the United States, which has historically been a strong ally of Israel.
The decision by South Africa to expel Seidman has sparked concerns about the future of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the potential impact on international affairs. It remains to be seen how Israel will respond to this expulsion and whether it will lead to further retaliatory actions.
The incident highlights the complex and sensitive nature of diplomatic relations between nations and underscores the importance of upholding diplomatic norms and protocols. As tensions escalate, it is crucial for all parties involved to engage in dialogue and diplomacy to prevent further deterioration of relations.
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References:
1. https://www.straitstimes.com/world/south-africa-declares-israels-charg%C3%A9-daffaires-persona-non-grata
2. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgn8ejljqwo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
3. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/30/south-africa-expels-israel-diplomat-insults-president
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