South Africa Declares Israeli Diplomat Persona Non Grata Over Protocol Breaches

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has formally notified the Government of the State of Israel of South Africa's decision to declare the Chargé d'Affaires at the Israeli Embassy, Mr Ariel Seidman, persona non grata, citing serious and repeated violations of diplomatic norms.

In a statement issued on Friday, DIRCO said the decision follows conduct that directly challenges South Africa's sovereignty and undermines the foundations of diplomatic engagement.

Among the violations cited are the repeated use of official Israeli government social media platforms to publish insulting and inflammatory remarks directed at His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa, as well as the failure to formally notify DIRCO of alleged visits to South Africa by senior Israeli officials.

"These actions constitute a gross abuse of diplomatic privileges and a fundamental breach of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations," DIRCO said, adding that such conduct has systematically eroded the trust and protocols essential to the maintenance of bilateral relations.

DIRCO emphasised that South Africa's sovereignty and the dignity of its constitutional offices are non-negotiable and must be respected by all foreign missions operating within the Republic. Mr Seidman has been instructed to depart South Africa within 72 hours.

The department further urged the Government of Israel to ensure that its future diplomatic engagements reflect respect for South Africa and adherence to established principles of international law and diplomatic practice.

Call to action for media and stakeholders

DIRCO invites journalists, analysts, and international relations practitioners to closely examine the implications of this decision for diplomatic accountability, international law, and the conduct of foreign missions. Early engagement with this development is critical as South Africa continues to assert a principled, rules-based approach to international relations.