South Africa expels Israel's top diplomat, prompting tit-for-tat retaliation

South Africa expels Israel’s top diplomat, prompting tit-for-tat retaliation

February 1, 2026

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa

South Africa declared the top diplomat at Israel's embassy persona non grata on Friday and ordered him out within 72 hours, a move that could worsen strained relations with the United States. Israel promptly retaliated by declaring South Africa's senior diplomatic representative, Minister Shaun E

```

Members Only

Login or create an account to continue

This article is available to registered BusinessDay readers. Please login if you already have an account, or create a new account to continue reading.

New to BusinessDay? Register now and start reading.

```