South Africa Expels Top Israeli Diplomat Over 'Insulting Attacks' on President
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's government has taken a hard stance against Israel, expelling the country's chargé d'affaires from Pretoria after "insulting attacks" were made against him on social media. Ariel Seidman, the senior diplomat responsible for Israel's interests in South Africa, was given an ultimatum to leave within 72 hours.
According to South African officials, Israel had repeatedly used official social media platforms to launch personal and insulting attacks against Ramaphosa, as well as failing to inform local diplomats about high-level visits. These actions were deemed a direct challenge to the country's sovereignty.
In response, Israel has expelled Shaun Edward Byneveldt, who represents South Africa at the Palestinian negotiating table in Ramallah, West Bank. The Israeli foreign ministry posted on X stating that Byneveldt was being given an ultimatum to leave within 72 hours due to what it described as "false attacks" against Israel made by South African officials.
This tit-for-tat move highlights the deteriorating relations between South Africa and Israel over issues related to the Palestinian cause. In December last year, South Africa launched a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. The court's recent ruling that this claim was "plausible" has further strained ties.
South African officials point to a history of tensions between the two nations, citing Nelson Mandela's long-standing support for the Palestinian cause. In 1997, Mandela expressed his desire for Palestinian freedom while serving as President of South Africa. Many in South Africa see similarities between apartheid-era white minority rule and Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories.
Israel has rejected these comparisons, claiming that its actions are legitimate to ensure national security. Social media exchanges between Israeli diplomats and South African officials have often been acrimonious, with some accusing the Israeli embassy of engaging in "political theatre".
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's government has taken a hard stance against Israel, expelling the country's chargé d'affaires from Pretoria after "insulting attacks" were made against him on social media. Ariel Seidman, the senior diplomat responsible for Israel's interests in South Africa, was given an ultimatum to leave within 72 hours.
According to South African officials, Israel had repeatedly used official social media platforms to launch personal and insulting attacks against Ramaphosa, as well as failing to inform local diplomats about high-level visits. These actions were deemed a direct challenge to the country's sovereignty.
In response, Israel has expelled Shaun Edward Byneveldt, who represents South Africa at the Palestinian negotiating table in Ramallah, West Bank. The Israeli foreign ministry posted on X stating that Byneveldt was being given an ultimatum to leave within 72 hours due to what it described as "false attacks" against Israel made by South African officials.
This tit-for-tat move highlights the deteriorating relations between South Africa and Israel over issues related to the Palestinian cause. In December last year, South Africa launched a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. The court's recent ruling that this claim was "plausible" has further strained ties.
South African officials point to a history of tensions between the two nations, citing Nelson Mandela's long-standing support for the Palestinian cause. In 1997, Mandela expressed his desire for Palestinian freedom while serving as President of South Africa. Many in South Africa see similarities between apartheid-era white minority rule and Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories.
Israel has rejected these comparisons, claiming that its actions are legitimate to ensure national security. Social media exchanges between Israeli diplomats and South African officials have often been acrimonious, with some accusing the Israeli embassy of engaging in "political theatre".
! So Israel's all like 'hey we're gonna expel this guy from our embassy' but then they do the same thing to that South African diplomat... it just seems like both sides are being super petty 
. I mean, come on, if you've got a problem with someone, just talk to them in real life or write a formal letter instead of dissing them online 
. And can we please stop with all these tit-for-tat moves? It's getting out of hand 
. On the one hand, I get why South Africa is mad about Israel's 'insulting attacks' on their president... but at the same time, it seems like Israel's just trying to justify its actions by saying they're under attack 
. Either way, this whole situation is just a mess 
. I mean, we're talking about a country that's already got its fair share of challenges, and then you've got these international tensions brewing 
. It's not just about Israel and Palestine, it's also about the history between our two nations - apartheid and all that 
.
. I get that some folks are upset, but come on, let's be real 
. We've been there, done that, and it's not exactly a pretty sight 
. And now we're seeing this tit-for-tat move with Israel expelling our diplomat? It just feels like more of the same 
.
. We've got a history of supporting the Palestinian cause, and it's not going away anytime soon 
. So, let's just hope this doesn't escalate into something bigger 
.
I mean, I get it, Ramaphosa's gotta have skin deep, but this is getting serious 
. Like, newsflash: if you're gonna take shots at someone, come correct 
. The fact that they didn't even inform local diplomats about high-level visits? That's just rude 
in today's world where we're already so connected online, can't they just have a calm convo instead of resorting to insults 
gotta say, this whole situation is super concerning 
. Both countries have such deep historical connections and a sense of justice that's been lost over the years 
. The idea that Israel can just dismiss these comparisons and say their actions are legit because they're for national security is just... no 
I'm not saying SA should've taken the high road and ignored all this drama 
?
. All I can do is hope for some positive change 
in the future! 
Ariel Seidman got kicked out & now Israel's retaliating by kicking that South African dude Shaun Byneveldt 
nelson mandela's legacy is being dragged into this mess 
meanwhile, icj said genocide claim against Israel was plausible 
all this drama's makin me wonder if rambosa's admin's tryna make a point or just play the victim 
btw, have u seen that video of israeli diplomat yelling at south african official on social media? 
it's like, can't we all just get along? 
especially when it comes to the palestine situation 
which has been a major point of contention between these two nations for ages 
i mean come on, if you cant take the heat, stay outta the game 
apartheid is a real thing and israel's occupation of palestine is straight up discriminatory 
. and it's not just about ramaphosa, it's about the whole palestinian cause thing... many ppl in sa are saying that israel's actions are kinda similar to apartheid (i know some ppl might disagree, but still) 
I mean, Ariel Seidman gets kicked out for making some comments on social media and now Israel's retaliating by kicking Shaun Edward Byneveldt out. It's like a game of "Diplomacy" but with real people 
.
. South Africa's all like "Israel's messin with our sovereignty" 
, while Israel's all "We're protectin ourselves from terrorism 
I mean, I get that Ramaphosa was targeted with some pretty nasty attacks on social media, but expelling the Israeli diplomat seems like an overreaction 
. But on the other hand, doesn't Israel have a right to defend itself? 
shouldn't we be working together to resolve our differences in a constructive way 
. Can't we find common ground on the Palestinian issue without resorting to name-calling and ultimatums? 
... Still, it's clear that tensions are running high & both sides need to find a way to communicate effectively before things get any worse 
. It's like they're trying to one-up each other in some kind of bizarre game of diplomatic chicken. Newsflash: it's not gonna end well