Israel recalls its ambassador to South Africa
The ANC has backed the notion for cutting ties with Israel due to the ongoing war with Palestine it describes as a genocide.
Just a day before parliament was meant to vote on EFF’s motion to have the Israel Embassy shut down, Israel has recalled its ambassador to South Africa Eliav Belotserkovsky for consultations.
AMBASSADOR SENT HOME
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Following the latest South African statements, the Ambassador of Israel to Pretoria has been recalled to Jerusalem for consultations. pic.twitter.com/yOSWD8TvhZ
— Lior Haiat 🇮🇱🎗️ (@LiorHaiat) November 20, 2023
The announcement was made by Israel’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lior Haiat on X, formerly Twitter.
This comes after government has called for an arrest warrant be issued against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for war crimes, by the International Crimes Court.
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SUBMISSIONS TO ICC
On Friday, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation announced that the country’s ambassador to the Netherlands, Vusi Madonsela had personally delivered a joint referral to the Office of the Prosecutor in the Hague.
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It was submitted jointly with Bangladesh, Bolivia, Venezuela, Comoros and Djibouti. Venezuela is to petition the court in writing to join the submission.
“South Africa remains committed to ending impunity for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, and it is hoped that the situation in Palestine will be prioritised by the ICC in order to deliver justice to the victims of these grave crimes”, DRICO said in a statement.
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Two weeks ago, South Africa also recalled its ambassador Tel Aviv for consultations, ‘to assess its relationship with the country amid a rise in civilian casualties from attacks by Israel on Gaza.’