SAJBD Criticises South Africa’s Expulsion Of Israeli Diplomat Ariel Seidman

The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) has criticised the government’s decision to expel Israel’s chargé d’affaires, Ariel Seidman, describing the move as misplaced amid pressing domestic challenges.

On Friday, Seidman was declared persona non grata by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).

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The department said the decision followed a series of actions it labelled as unacceptable breaches of diplomatic norms and practices that undermine South Africa’s sovereignty.

DIRCO cited, among other issues, remarks made on social media that insulted President Cyril Ramaphosa, as well as violations of diplomatic protocol.

Israeli Diplomat Declared Persona Non Grata in Pretoria

Following South Africa’s announcement, the Israeli government responded by declaring South Africa’s ambassador to Palestine, Shaun Byneveldt, persona non grata. Israeli authorities also warned that further measures could be taken against him.

The diplomatic standoff forms part of broader tensions between the two countries, which intensified after South Africa lodged a case at the International Court of Justice two years ago. In the case, Pretoria accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza.

SAJBD Questions Government Priorities Amid Domestic Challenges

SAJBD national director Wendy Kahn questioned the timing and focus of the decision, drawing attention to unresolved issues within South Africa.

“Given the dire lack of basic services for countless South Africans, it is striking that, just days after Israel offered water solutions to a desperate community in the Eastern Cape, DIRCO expelled the Israeli chargé d’affaires, diverting attention from real domestic issues,” Kahn said.