As envoys recalled, what's driving Israel-South Africa rupture?
South Africa has expelled the Israeli charge d'affaires, deepening the diplomatic crisis between the two countries.
The historically delicate relationship between Israel and South Africa, already strained by the war in Gaza, could reach an inflection point. Israeli diplomatic sources told Al-Monitor that they believe South Africa may soon decide to sever ties with Israel entirely.
As ties reach a new nadir, Pretoria declared on Friday that Israeli charge d'affaires Ariel Seidman had 72 hours to leave the country.
Israel retaliated, giving South Africa's Shaun Edward Byneveldt the same deadline to leave the country.
MEDIA STATEMENT
— DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) January 30, 2026
30 January 2026
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has informed the Government of the State of Israel of its decision to declare Mr. Ariel Seidman, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Israeli Embassy, persona non grata. pic.twitter.com/IINt3ixnCO
Turbulent relations
