South Africa has expelled Israel’s top diplomat, Ariel Seidman, for violating diplomatic norms, including making “insulting remarks” about President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Seidman has been declared persona non grata and given 72 hours to leave the country.
The move follows tensions between the two countries since South Africa accused Israel of genocide against Palestinians at the International Court of Justice. Israel has rejected the charge.
Seidman was accused of attacking Ramaphosa on social media and inviting Israeli officials to South Africa without permission.
South Africa’s foreign ministry said Seidman’s actions “represent a gross abuse of diplomatic privilege”. Israel does not currently have an ambassador in South Africa.
