South Africa has expelled Israel’s senior envoy, accusing him of breaching diplomatic norms and undermining the country’s sovereignty.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation announced that Ariel Seidman, charge d’affaires at the Israeli embassy, had been declared persona non grata and given 72 hours to leave the country. The ministry alleged that Seidman posted insulting remarks about President Cyril Ramaphosa on social media and failed to properly notify authorities of visits by senior Israeli officials.
In a statement, the department described the actions as a serious abuse of diplomatic privilege and a violation of the Vienna Convention, saying they had eroded trust in bilateral relations.
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded by declaring senior South African diplomat Shaun Edward Bynevelat persona non grata and also gave him 72 hours to leave Israel.
South Africa urged Israel to ensure future diplomatic engagement respects international norms and the country’s sovereignty.
AJE