South Africa Expels Israeli Diplomat in Sharp Rebuke Over Gaza Conflict
CAPE TOWN — In a move underscoring deepening diplomatic fractures, South Africa on Tuesday declared Israel's deputy ambassador persona non grata and ordered his departure from the country. The decision marks one of the most direct actions taken by Pretoria against Israel since the outbreak of the Gaza war, aligning with its longstanding pro-Palestinian foreign policy and recent genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
The expulsion, confirmed by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, follows weeks of heightened tension. South Africa has been a vocal critic of Israel's military campaign, recalling its own diplomats from Israel late last year and accusing it of violating international law. Analysts view this step as both a symbolic gesture to domestic audiences and a deliberate signal to the Global South, reinforcing South Africa's role as a champion of the Palestinian cause.
Israel's Foreign Ministry condemned the expulsion as "a severe and regrettable step that rewards Hamas terrorism." The move is likely to further strain relations between the two nations, which have deteriorated significantly since October. South Africa's ruling African National Congress has historically linked the Palestinian struggle to its own anti-apartheid movement, a framing that continues to shape its diplomatic approach.
Reactions & Analysis:
"This is a principled and necessary stand," said Lerato Ndlovu, a foreign policy analyst at the University of Pretoria. "It reinforces our commitment to international law. South Africa is using every diplomatic and legal tool available to respond to what it sees as a grave injustice."
"A disgraceful and counterproductive stunt," countered David Cohen, a political commentator based in Johannesburg. "This does nothing to help hostages or bring peace. It only isolates South Africa from constructive dialogue and undermines its credibility as an honest broker, which it claims to be."
"My heart is heavy, but I support this," shared Fatima Abrahams, a Cape Town community organizer. "Silence is complicity. When we see the images from Gaza, how can we not act? This sends a message that human lives matter more than diplomatic convenience."
"It's a risky gambit," noted James Uba, an editor at a regional policy journal. "While it solidifies support among certain blocs, it could limit South Africa's influence in potential future mediation efforts. The diplomatic fallout will be closely watched."