Faith Nyasuguta
On Tuesday, South African lawmakers voted in favour of closing down the Israeli embassy in Pretoria and suspending all diplomatic relations until a ceasefire is agreed in its war with Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in Gaza.
The resolution holds symbolic significance, with the decision to implement it resting on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government.
A spokesperson for the presidency stated that Ramaphosa “acknowledges and values” the guidance from parliament regarding South Africa’s diplomatic ties with Israel, specifically concerning the embassy’s status.
“The president and cabinet are engaged over the matter, which remains the responsibility of the national executive,” Vincent Magwenya said.
Ramaphosa and senior foreign ministry officials strongly criticized Israel’s leadership for their military campaign against Hamas in Gaza, urging the International Criminal Court to investigate potential war crimes.
The Israeli embassy has not responded to a request for comment.
The Israeli ambassador in Pretoria was recalled to Tel Aviv for consultations ahead of the vote, which was adopted by a 248-91 margin on Tuesday.
The opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party introduced the parliamentary resolution last week, garnering support from the governing African National Congress.
This diplomatic stance has been integral to South Africa’s foreign policy since Nelson Mandela’s historic election as the country’s first democratically elected president in 1994.
The ANC Chief Whip, Pemmy Majodina, modified the final clause of the EFF’s draft resolution, which originally called for the closure of the embassy and diplomatic suspension. The amendment now includes the words: “… until a ceasefire is agreed upon by Israel, and Israel commits to binding United Nations-facilitated negotiations whose outcome must be a just, sustainable, and lasting peace.”
South Africa has backed the Palestinian cause for statehood in Israeli-occupied territories for decades, likening the plight of Palestinians to those of the Black majority during the repressive apartheid-era, a comparison Israel vehemently denies.
The EFF proposed the motion on Thursday in solidarity with the Palestinian people over the Israeli bombardment and invasion of Hamas-ruled Gaza, prompted by a deadly incursion by Hamas militants into Israel on Oct. 7.
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