South Africa orders expulsion of Israeli envoy, declared persona non grata

In January 2026, South Africa expelled Israel's envoy, Ariel Seidman, declaring him persona non grata and giving him 72 hours to leave the country. The South African foreign affairs ministry accused Seidman of "gross abuse of diplomatic privilege," citing insulting social media attacks against President Cyril Ramaphosa and failure to inform the ministry of visits by senior Israeli officials. Israel responded by declaring senior South African diplomat Shaun Edward Byneveldt, the ambassador to the State of Palestine, persona non grata and ordering his expulsion within 72 hours. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that additional steps would be considered. The reciprocal expulsions highlight escalating tensions between the two nations.

South Africa expelled Israel's top diplomat, Ariel Seidman, declaring him persona non grata for violating diplomatic norms, including criticizing President Ramaphosa and arranging unauthorized meetings with Israeli officials. This action prompted Israel to retaliate by expelling South Africa's representative, Shaun Edward Byneveldt. The diplomatic row stems from South Africa's accusation of Israel committing genocide against Palestinians at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), a charge Israel denies. Seidman's actions, specifically using social media to attack Ramaphosa and facilitating an unauthorized visit by Israeli officials to a South African king, were cited as reasons for his expulsion. Both expelled diplomats were their countries' highest-ranking representatives in the absence of ambassadors. Israel has indicated further actions may be considered.

South Africa has expelled Israel's top diplomat, chargé d'affaires Ariel Seidman, ordering him to leave within 72 hours. The South African government declared Seidman persona non grata due to "insulting attacks" on President Cyril Ramaphosa on social media and the "abuse of diplomatic privilege." These actions, according to South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation, violate diplomatic norms and challenge South Africa's sovereignty. Relations between the two countries have been strained since South Africa accused Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice in December 2023. South Africa has long been a supporter of the Palestinian cause, drawing parallels between apartheid and Israel's control over Palestinian territories, a comparison Israel rejects. The Israeli embassy has frequently criticized the South African government on social media.