South Africa and Israel have entered a sharp diplomatic conflict after each country expelled the other’s senior envoy, highlighting the growing strain in their bilateral relations. The move comes amid long-standing disputes over Gaza and legal proceedings at the International Court of Justice.
The crisis began when South Africa declared Ariel Seidman, Israel’s chargé d'affaires in Pretoria, persona non grata, ordering him to leave within 72 hours. The foreign affairs ministry accused him of “violating diplomatic norms” and said his actions could not be tolerated.
In response, Israel immediately announced that South Africa’s ambassador to Palestine, Shaun Edward Byneveldt, was also persona non grata and had 72 hours to leave the country.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the decision was made “following South Africa's false attacks against Israel in the international arena and the unilateral, baseless step taken” against Seidman. “Additional steps will be considered in due course,” the government added.
South Africa has criticised Seidman for allegedly using official social media channels to attack President Cyril Ramaphosa and for arranging visits by Israeli officials without government approval.
In announcing the expulsion, the foreign ministry said his conduct “represent[s] a gross abuse of diplomatic privilege.”
The expelled diplomats were the highest-ranking representatives of their respective countries, since neither nation currently has an ambassador in the other capital.
The tensions reflect a history of strained relations: South Africa accused Israel of genocide against Palestinians at the ICJ, a claim Israel rejects, and withdrew its ambassador in 2018 after deadly attacks in Gaza. Israel recalled its ambassador to South Africa in 2023 following the ICJ case.
Seidman, appointed last year, also oversees Israel’s diplomatic affairs in Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Namibia. His ties to Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, a controversial South African traditional leader and Nelson Mandela’s nephew, have drawn criticism.
Dalindyebo visited Israel in December and met top officials without informing South Africa’s government. Later, an Israeli delegation visited his home province in the Eastern Cape, pledging support.
Videos shared by Israeli officials on X showed the visit focused on “concrete assistance in water, health and agriculture.” South Africa recognises multiple monarchs across ethnic groups, but they hold no formal political authority.
