On January 30, 2026, a significant diplomatic conflict erupted between South Africa and Israel, resulting in both countries expelling each other's top diplomats. According to Al Jazeera, South Africa declared Israel's chargé d'affaires, Ariel Seidman, persona non grata, accusing him of 'gross abuse of diplomatic privilege.' The South African government cited 'repeated violations of diplomatic norms,' including public insults directed at President Cyril Ramaphosa, as reported by Pakistan Today. Seidman was given a 72-hour deadline to leave the country, highlighting the severity of the situation. In response, Israel reciprocated by declaring South Africa's senior diplomatic representative, Shaun Edward Byneveldt, persona non grata, as noted by SABC News. The Israeli government justified its decision by pointing to South Africa's actions against Israel in international forums and the expulsion of their consul.