South Africa has declared the Charge d’Affaires of the Israeli Embassy, Ariel Seidman, persona non grata, ordering him to leave the country within 72 hours following what government has described as a serious breach of diplomatic norms, reports Cape {town} Etc. pic.twitter.com/IINt3ixnCO — DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) January 30, 2026DIRCO further urged the Israeli government to ensure that future diplomatic engagement demonstrates respect for South Africa and established principles of international relations. As previously reported by Cape {town} Etc, tensions between South Africa and Israel have remained strained since Pretoria instituted proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), alleging genocide in Gaza. Israel recalled its ambassador to South Africa in 2023 amid escalating diplomatic fallout. DIRCO said the decision sends a clear signal that South Africa will not tolerate actions that undermine its sovereignty or the principles governing diplomatic conduct.