Activists hold placards and shout slogans outside Israel’s embassy as they protest the detention of members of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, in Pretoria, South Africa, October 3, 2025. Credit: Esa Alexander/ REUTERS
Jewish leaders in South Africa warn of ‘dark times’ after Pretoria declared Israel’s envoy persona non grata, prompting Jerusalem to expel South Africa’s Ramallah-based envoy. As the ruling ANC’s hostility has grown, opposition figures have sought alternative channels to engage Israel, while Israel’s outreach to a tribal leader may have been seen by the ANC as the ‘final straw’
