South Africa Expels Israeli Diplomat Amid Escalating Tensions

Tue Feb 03 2026 19:02:03 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant diplomatic move, South Africa has declared Israel's chargé d'affaires, Ariel Seidman, persona non grata, citing violations of diplomatic norms. This expulsion reflects the ongoing tension between the two nations after serious allegations from South Africa regarding Israel's actions in Palestine.

South Africa has expelled Israeli diplomat Ariel Seidman for making insulting comments about President Cyril Ramaphosa and other diplomatic violations. This incident comes against the backdrop of strained relations, as South Africa has accused Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice. Seidman has 72 hours to leave the country, as this marks a critical point in South Africa-Israel relations.

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 President 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 rejected.

Before his expulsion, Seidman was responsible for diplomatic relations not only with South Africa but also with Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Namibia.

In announcing the expulsion, South Africa's foreign affairs ministry stated that Seidman's actions represent a gross abuse of diplomatic privilege. Currently, Israel does not have an ambassador in South Africa.