Johannesburg, November 21 (AP) Before a vote is to be held in Parliament on Tuesday on the future of Israel’s embassy in South Africa, Israel has summoned its Ambassador to this African country, Eliav Belotserkovsky, to Jerusalem “for discussions.”
Diplomatic relations between South Africa and Israel have seen increasing tensions over Israel’s attacks on Gaza. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had earlier said his country believed Israel was committing war crimes and genocide in Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians have been killed.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry wrote on ‘X’ on Monday, “Following South Africa’s latest statement, Israel’s Ambassador in Pretoria has been summoned to Jerusalem for discussions.”
Israel has taken this step before voting in the South African Parliament to close the Israeli Embassy and end all relations with Israel until the ceasefire in Gaza is implemented.
The opposition leftist party Economic Freedom Fighters has introduced the proposal, which has been supported by the ruling African National Congress and other smaller parties.
Earlier this month, South Africa recalled its ambassador and embassy staff from Israel.
AP Zoheb Naresh
Naresh
