MPs have voted in favour of closing the Israeli embassy in SA, paving the way for the cutting of diplomatic ties between the two countries until Tel Aviv agrees to a ceasefire and commits to binding, UN-facilitated negotiations.
The National Assembly’s motion, which the EFF initiated, reflects the government’s condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza, which the ANC and the government consider a violation of international law and human rights, and “a genocide against the people of Palestine”.
However, the resolution passed by parliament is not legally binding on the government and it is “politically persuasive rather than instructive”, according to chair for committees Cedric Frolick.
This means that the ball is now in the court of President Cyril Ramaphosa and other members of the executive, who will have to decide either to act on the motion or to reject it.
The ANC, which holds 230 seats in the National Assembly, supported the EFF motion to close Israel’s embassy.
However, the ANC proposed an amendment to the motion and called only for a temporary closure of the embassy “until Israel agrees to a ceasefire and commits to binding UN-facilitated negotiations whose outcome must be a just, sustainable and lasting peace”.
The adoption of the motion in parliament was preceded by a Ramaphosa-chaired Brics heads of state meeting at which the grouping called for a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza.
The Brics group is Brazil, Russia, India, China and SA. It agreed in August to add Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina and the United Arab Emirates as members.
Ceasefire
In his opening address to the meeting, Ramaphosa reiterated SA’s position that the International Criminal Court (ICC) should investigate war crimes against Israel and Hamas.
“As SA, we call for: first, an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire. Second, the opening of humanitarian corridors so that aid and other basic services reach all those in need. Third, all countries to exercise restraint and to desist from fuelling this conflict, including by ceasing the supply of weapons to the parties. Fourth, the release of all civilian hostages,” Ramaphosa said.
The closure of the Israeli embassy is the latest and most drastic measure taken by SA to express its displeasure with the situation in Gaza, where the Hamas government says more than 11,000 people have been killed or injured by Israeli air strikes and artillery fire since October 7.
On that day Hamas militants attacked communities in Israel near the border with Gaza, killing about 1,200 people and kidnapping about 240.
SA withdrew its diplomats from Israel in November for consultations. Last week SA submitted a joint referral with Bangladesh, Bolivia, Djibouti, and the Comoros to the ICC to prosecute those involved in war crimes in Gaza.
The move in parliament comes after Tel Aviv recalled its ambassador to Pretoria, Eli Belotserkovsky, after the call to arrest Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for possible war crimes. Israel has said it has the right to defend itself from rocket attacks and infiltration attempts by Hamas, which it considers a terrorist organisation that seeks to destroy Israel and denies its right to exist.
The SA Jewish Board of Deputies has raised concern about the growing hostility. “It is a great pity that the situation in SA has deteriorated to the degree that Israel decided to recall the ambassador to Jerusalem for consultation.
“We trust that this recall, as well as the recall of the SA embassy staff in Israel, will be temporary and that the two countries will resume dialogue and engagement soon, said national chair Karen Milner.
“The debate in parliament today expressed a sentiment which we already know. It was a pointless exercise because parliament does not determine the international relations of SA. It is especially pointless given Israel’s decision to withdraw its ambassador for consultation.”
The motion was supported by 248 MPs, including members from the African Independent Congress, PAC, Al Jama-ah and National Freedom Party. There were 91 votes against, including members from the DA, ACDP and IFP.
“The Israel embassy should remain closed until a ceasefire is achieved,” ANC chief whip Pemmy Majodina said during declarations on the vote.
“We want to applaud the ANC for its maturity on this matter.
“Politically, we can disagree, but when it comes to issues of humanity, we must protect the human rights of all human beings all over the world.”
Update: November 21 2023
This story has been updated with new information throughout.
