In brief
In a significant diplomatic move, South Africa has expelled Ariel Seidman, the Israeli chargé d'affaires, over alleged violations of diplomatic norms. The expulsion follows a series of derogatory comments made by Seidman toward President Cyril Ramaphosa, along with unauthorized actions concerning Israeli officials in the country. This development occurs amidst ongoing tensions between South Africa and Israel, particularly regarding accusations of genocide against Palestinians which South Africa has brought forth at the International Court of Justice.
South Africa has expelled Israel's top diplomat in the country for violating diplomatic norms, including making insulting remarks against South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.Ariel Seidman, chargé d'affaires at the Israeli embassy, has been declared persona non grata and given 72 hours to leave the country, according to South Africa's foreign ministry.He has been accused of using official social media platforms to attack Ramaphosa and inviting Israeli officials to South Africa without permission. Relations between the two countries have been frosty since South Africa accused Israel of genocide against Palestinians at the International Court of Justice, a charge that Israel has denied.The BBC has attempted to contact the Israeli embassy in Pretoria for comment, noting that Israel currently does not have an ambassador in South Africa.The foreign affairs ministry of South Africa has described Seidman's actions as a gross abuse of diplomatic privilege. Seidman, who was appointed to the role last year, has a diplomatic remit that includes the neighbouring countries of Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Namibia.
