Tensions soar as Israel recalls ambassador amid South African backlash over Gaza conflict

In a move indicative of escalating tensions between Israel and South Africa, the Israeli foreign ministry has announced the recall of its ambassador to South Africa “for consultations.”

The decision follows the latest critical statements from South Africa regarding Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

Lior Haiat, a spokesperson for the Israeli foreign ministry, emphasized the decision’s connection to South Africa’s recent statements without providing specific details.

South Africa has been particularly vocal in its condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza, culminating in a request to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by mid-December.

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni warned that a failure by the ICC to issue the warrant would signify a “total failure” of global governance.

The timing of these developments coincides with South Africa’s upcoming virtual summit of the Brics group, which includes China and Russia, to address the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Israeli Ambassador Eliav Belotserkovsky is being called back just before this crucial summit, raising eyebrows about potential diplomatic repercussions.

The summit, chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, aims to find a collective solution to the ongoing conflict.

Adding to the diplomatic tension is an impending vote in the South African parliament on whether to shut down the Israeli embassy and sever diplomatic ties until Israel agrees to a cease-fire and engages in UN-sponsored talks.

While the motion has garnered approval from the ruling African National Congress, it remains uncertain if the government or the party will endorse it in parliament.

The conflict’s origins trace back to a cross-border attack by hundreds of Hamas gunmen on October 7, resulting in at least 1,200 deaths and approximately 240 hostages.

In response, Israel initiated a massive military campaign in Gaza, leading to a significant death toll, with at least 13,000 casualties reported by the health ministry run by Hamas.

The UN Security Council has called for “urgent and extended humanitarian pauses” to allow UN agencies to access the closed-off area safely. South Africa, historically aligned with the Palestinian cause, has strongly criticized Israel’s response, labeling it as “collective punishment.”

In a parallel move, South Africa, along with Bangladesh, Bolivia, Comoros, and Djibouti, has submitted a referral to the ICC, urging an investigation into potential war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza.

It’s worth noting that South Africa has already recalled its diplomats from Israel, and the country has been without a South African ambassador in Israel for the past five years.