The decision by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to order Israel’s chargé d’affaires to leave the country within 72 hours is further proof of the ANC’s unilateral and detrimental conduct, which is not serving South Africa’s best interests.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) is stunned by the decision to declare Mr Ariel Seidman of the Israeli embassy persona non grata.
According to DIRCO, its decision was prompted by “a series of unacceptable violations of diplomatic norms and practice which pose a direct challenge to South Africa’s sovereignty”.
DIRCO accuses Mr Seidman of “the repeated use of official Israeli social media platforms to launch insulting attacks” on President Cyril Ramaphosa, as well as a “deliberate failure” to report visits by senior Israeli officials.
Given the fragile relations between South Africa and the United States (US), DIRCO’s action against Israel – the US’s major ally – is wilful and provocative.
This step continues the pattern of purely unilateral ANC-motivated conduct, with no effort to inform or consult the other partners in the Government of National Unity (GNU).
The Freedom Front Plus believes the step against Mr Seidman is most likely an act of retaliation for the earlier expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador to the US, Mr Ebrahim Rasool.
The aforementioned allegation concerning senior diplomatic visits lacks substance, as the individuals concerned visited South Africa in their personal capacity.
Taking such a drastic step while decisions regarding AGOA are still to be finalised is downright unwise. It jeopardises economic ties, jobs and investment at a critical time for the country.
The ANC does not have sole discretion in the GNU regarding South Africa’s foreign policy.
The Freedom Front Plus reiterates its call for urgent consultation and a balanced policy approach that is pragmatic, fact-based and in the best interests of all South Africans.
The party will keep taking steps to engage President Ramaphosa on this matter.
