South Africa has declared Israel’s chargé d’affaires in Pretoria, Ariel Seidman, persona non grata and told him to leave the country within 72 hours, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) said on Friday.

What Dirco Announced

Dirco said it had formally informed the Government of Israel of the decision. Seidman, the Israeli embassy’s acting head of mission, was given a 72-hour deadline to depart South Africa.

The department framed the move as a “decisive measure” and said it follows conduct it views as a direct challenge to South Africa’s sovereignty.

Why the Diplomat was Declared Persona Non Grata

According to Dirco, the decision was triggered by what it called “unacceptable violations of diplomatic norms and practice”. The department said these include the repeated use of official Israeli social media platforms to post insults aimed at President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Dirco also said it was not properly informed of purported visits by senior Israeli officials, which it views as a serious break with diplomatic protocol.

Dirco spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said the conduct amounts to “a gross abuse of diplomatic privilege” and a breach of the Vienna Convention, which governs diplomatic relations between states.

Questions over Provincial-Level Engagements

Details also emerged about embassy-linked visits to provincial institutions earlier this week. The visits reportedly included healthcare facilities and Walter Sisulu University and were said to have taken place without the knowledge or consent of the provincial government.

A delegation led by Israel’s Foreign Ministry official David Saranga was also reported to have visited Mthatha General Hospital and Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital to discuss ties with Israel’s Sheba Medical Centre.

What Happens Next

Dirco said South Africa’s “sovereignty and the dignity of its offices are inviolable” and reiterated that Seidman must leave within 72 hours.

The department urged Israel to ensure future diplomatic conduct shows respect for South Africa and for the principles of international engagement.