Cape Town – The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) says a parliamentary motion to sever ties with Israel, supported by the ANC, EFF, ATM, and PAC, is a futile exercise, adding that international relations are determined by the government.
On Tuesday, the EFF-sponsored motion to “close” the Israeli embassy and sever diplomatic relations was adopted by the National Assembly with 248 votes in favor and 91 against.
South Africa’s National Assembly adopts EFF motion calling for cutting diplomatic ties with Israel https://t.co/6uqsUYy9Zi
— Sherwin Bryce-Pease (@sherwiebp) November 21, 2023
According to Times Live, SAJBD criticised the chanting of slogans advocating the destruction of the Jewish state during the vote and pointed out the inconsistency with the ANC’s stated support for a two-state solution.
“The jeers of the EFF and ANC singing From the river to the sea, a chant which calls for the destruction of the only Jewish state, makes a mockery of the ANC’s stated position of supporting a two-state solution.
“Minister of international relations Naledi Pandor recognises how counter-productive such a resolution is,” the report quoted SAJBD as saying.
Earlier, according to EWN, SAJBD’s national chairperson, Karen Milner said: “It is a great pity that the hostility towards the Israeli ambassador in South Africa has resulted in the withdrawal of the Israeli ambassador back to Jerusalem for consultations.
“This takes place against the background of a sustained campaign of demonisation and bullying of the Israeli ambassador by the ANC [African National Congress] and the South African ruling party, and the South African government in a way that was unconducive to dialogue and engagement.”
This was after Israel’s decision to recall its ambassador to South Africa, Eliav Belotserkovsky.
South Africa also recently recalled its own Tel Aviv-based diplomats for consultation.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
