By Jean-Pierre A.
The South African government has declared persona non grata Mr. Ariel Siedman, the chargé d’affaires of the Israeli Embassy, over what it called violations of diplomatic norms.
In a statement released today, 30 January, the Department of International Relations said it has informed the government of the State of Israel of its decision.
“This decisive measure follows a series of unacceptable violations of diplomatic norms and practices which pose a direct challenge to South Africa’s sovereignty,” read the statement. “These violations include the repeated use of Israeli social media platforms to launch insulting attacks against His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa and a deliberate failure to inform DIRCO of purported visits by Israeli senior officials.”
According to the South African government, such actions represent a gross abuse of diplomatic privilege and a fundamental breach of the Vienna Conventions. “They have systematically undermined the trust and protocol essential for bilateral relations.”
The Department of International Relations further said South Africa’s sovereignty and the dignity of its offices are inviolable. “Mr. Siedman is required to depart from the Republic within 72 hours.”
Meanwhile, South Africa urged Israel to ensure its future diplomatic conduct demonstrates “respect for the Republic and the established principles of international engagement.”
Some analysts said the decision could anger the United States, a close ally of Israel. The US’ bilateral relations with Pretoria have deteriorated in recent years.
