In brief
South Africa has declared Israeli diplomat Ariel Seidman persona non grata after accusing him of making insulting comments about President Cyril Ramaphosa and misusing official platforms. This decision follows a backdrop of strained relations between the two nations, particularly after South Africa's allegations against Israel regarding genocide at the International Court of Justice.
South Africa has expelled Israel's top diplomat in the country for violating diplomatic norms, including making insulting remarks against South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Ariel Seidman, chargé d'affaires at Israeli embassy, has been declared persona non grata and given 72 hours to leave the country, South Africa's foreign ministry says.
He has been accused of using official social media platforms to attack Ramaphosa and inviting Israeli officials to South Africa without permission.
Relations between the two countries have been frosty since South Africa accused Israel of genocide against Palestinians at the International Court of Justice, a charge Israel has rejected.
Announcing Seidman's expulsion, South Africa's foreign affairs ministry said his actions represent a gross abuse of diplomatic privilege. Seidman was appointed chargé d'affaires at Israel's embassy in South Africa last year and his role also extends to the neighbouring countries of Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius and Namibia.
The BBC has contacted the Israeli embassy in Pretoria for comment. Israel does not currently have an ambassador in the country.
