Israel has taken the decision to recall its ambassador to South Africa, Eliav Belotserkovsky, following strong criticism from the South African government and the ANC regarding Israel’s ongoing military assault on Gaza.
The recall was announced by Israel’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lior Haiat, who stated that Ambassador Belotserkovsky was being recalled “for consultations” in response to the “latest statements from South Africa”.
While the specific statements that prompted the recall were not mentioned, both the South African government and the ANC have been increasingly vocal in their condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Pretoria recently announced the recall of all its diplomats from the Israeli embassy in Tel Aviv and issued a stern diplomatic rebuke to Ambassador Belotserkovsky. Furthermore, South Africa has referred Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the International Criminal Court.
The timing of Israel’s decision to recall its ambassador comes just before a parliamentary vote on an EFF motion calling for the closure of the Israeli Embassy in South Africa and the suspension of all diplomatic relations with Israel.
Although the ANC supports the motion in principle, the practical implications, such as the impact on South Africa’s embassy to Palestine in Jerusalem, make it unlikely that the ruling party and the government will fully support it.
It appeared that a compromise solution of expelling Ambassador Belotserkovsky without severing ties with Israel was being considered. However, Israel’s preemptive move to recall the ambassador indicates that they have anticipated this possibility.
The recall of the Israeli ambassador highlights the escalating tensions between Israel and South Africa, as well as the growing international criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected in the coming days.
