Clarifying South Africa’s Position: No Decision Yet on Israeli Embassy Closure, Affirms Minister Naledi Pandor

Amidst ongoing Middle East tensions, speculation regarding South Africa's diplomatic stance with Israel has been clarified by International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor. Despite a parliamentary resolution calling for the closure of the Israeli embassy in Pretoria, the Cabinet has yet to formalize any decision on the matter. This comes after the nation’s legislative body voted in favor of shutting the embassy following escalated conflict in Gaza this past November.

Minister Pandor addressed Parliament this Wednesday stating that the Cabinet, which is yet to convene on this particular issue, has received notice of the resolution. The urgency of the situation seems palpable as South Africa grapples with its diplomatic standing amid reports of genocide and heightened conflict within Gaza, where 1.2 million people in Rafah face imminent danger.

Pandor, who serves in the country’s Security Cluster, highlighted that the current operation of South African diplomatic services in the Middle East is conducted through the embassy in Ramallah, given the prior withdrawal of the Israeli ambassador from South Africa, and the subsequent closure of the South African embassy in Israel.

The minister did not shy away from marking the severity of the conflict, accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, an assertion that the South African government has put before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). While interim measures have been suggested by the ICJ, according to Pandor, Israel’s response has been less than satisfactory. This has led the South African government to raise alarm over the risks facing Palestinians.

While the South African government has made contact with various stakeholders supportive of peace in Israel, direct communication with the Israeli government seems to be at a standstill. Pandor relayed that the Cabinet believes stronger actions must be taken to convey the gravity of the conflict, especially considering the dire situation in Rafah.

One proposed action is to endorse efforts toward the release of hostages held by Hamas. As South Africa navigates its diplomatic pathway, the world watches closely, waiting to see how the nation will proceed given its firm stance on human rights and its historical opposition to apartheid and oppression.