Tshwane: The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has informed the Government of the State of Israel of South Africa’s decision to declare the Charg© d’Affaires of the Israeli Embassy, Mr. Ariel Seidman, persona non grata.

According to South African Government News Agency, the decision follows a series of violations of diplomatic norms and practices that pose a challenge to South Africa’s sovereignty. DIRCO’s statement highlights unacceptable actions, including the use of official Israeli social media platforms to attack President Cyril Ramaphosa and the failure to inform DIRCO of visits by senior Israeli officials.

The department stated that these actions constitute a gross abuse of diplomatic privilege and a breach of the Vienna Convention, undermining the trust and protocols necessary for bilateral relations. DIRCO emphasized that South Africa’s sovereignty and the dignity of its offices are inviolable, requiring Seidman to leave the Republic within 72 hours.