By Mosa Cibi
PRETORIA/JERUSALEM – Diplomatic relations between South Africa and Israel hit a new low on Friday, 30 January 2026, after both countries declared each other’s top remaining envoys persona non grata, issuing reciprocal 72-hour expulsion orders that effectively sever the last formal diplomatic channel between the two states.
Pretoria’s Declaration
South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) confirmed that it had formally notified Israel of its decision to expel Israeli Chargé d’Affaires Ariel Seidman, citing repeated breaches of diplomatic protocol and conduct. In an official DIRCO statement declaring the Israeli chargé d’affaires persona non grata, the department said the move followed “a series of unacceptable violations of diplomatic norms and practice which pose a direct challenge to South Africa’s sovereignty.”
Ariel Seidman, citing repeated breaches of diplomatic protocol and conduct.
In its official statement, DIRCO said the move followed “a series of unacceptable violations of diplomatic norms and practice which pose a direct challenge to South Africa’s sovereignty.”
“Such actions represent a gross abuse of diplomatic privilege and a fundamental breach of the Vienna Convention. South Africa’s sovereignty and the dignity of its offices are inviolable,” DIRCO said, adding that Seidman was required to leave the country within 72 hours.
The department said the violations included unauthorized visits by senior Israeli officials to the Eastern Cape without informing the national government, as well as what it described as “insulting attacks” against President Cyril Ramaphosa published on official Israeli embassy social media platforms.
Jerusalem’s reciprocal nove
Within hours of Pretoria’s announcement, Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed a direct retaliation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar declared South Africa’s senior representative in Israel, Shaun Edward Byneveldt, persona non grata, ordering him to leave the country within the same 72-hour window.
Israel characterised Pretoria’s action as “unilateral and baseless”, accusing South Africa of pursuing sustained diplomatic and legal attacks against Israel in international forums — a reference to South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Context of the standoff
Relations between the two countries have steadily deteriorated since late 2023, when South Africa filed its landmark ICJ application accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza — allegations Israel has repeatedly rejected. Pretoria has consistently argued that international rulings without enforcement mechanisms risk being rendered symbolic, a position it previously outlined in South Africa’s assessment of the ICJ’s genocide ruling against Israel.
The diplomatic rupture also unfolds against a backdrop of mounting international pressure on South Africa. Earlier this year, former US President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on South Africa over land expropriation and the ICJ case against Israel.
Key diplomatic developments
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Ambassadors Recalled | Late 2023 |
| ICJ Case Filed | December 2023 |
| Diplomatic Demarches Issued | Late 2025 |
| Reciprocal Expulsions | January 30, 2026 |
Broader implications
Analysts warn that the expulsions could deepen South Africa’s isolation at a critical geopolitical moment, particularly as Washington debates punitive legislative measures targeting the ANC-led government. Diplomatic observers have cautioned that US–South Africa relations are nearing a breaking point as sanctions legislation looms.
In South Africa, officials have framed the expulsion as a principled defence of sovereignty and diplomatic norms. In Israel, the move is being portrayed as a necessary response to what leaders describe as persistent hostility on the international stage.
Both diplomats are expected to depart their respective host countries by Monday, marking one of the most severe diplomatic breakdowns between South Africa and Israel since the advent of democracy.
