WATCH | Malema to Ramaphosa: Be bold, close Israel’s embassy

Cape Town – Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has intensified pressure on President Cyril Ramaphosa to shut down the Israeli Embassy in South Africa, calling Israel a “genocidal state”.

Speaking during a parliamentary debate on the State of the Nation Address on Tuesday, Malema urged Ramaphosa to act on a 2023 National Assembly resolution recommending embassy closure, framing it as part of the broader fight against imperialism and solidarity with Palestine.

“We call on you to exhibit your courage by closing the Israeli Embassy, which is a resolution of this National Assembly. You have declared their representative as persona non grata and the skies did not fall, close their embassy and cut relations with this genocidal nation,” Malema said.

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Commander-in-Chief and President of the EFF, @Julius_S_Malema , debating the 2026 SONA:

—We call on you to exhibit your courage by closing the Israeli Embassy, which is a resolution of this National Assembly. You have declared their representative as persona non… pic.twitter.com/zoGG7PrQDg

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) February 17, 2026

This follows South Africa’s expulsion of Israeli Chargé d’Affaires Ariel Seidman on 30 January 2026 over diplomatic breaches, including insulting remarks about Ramaphosa and failure to notify authorities of official visits.

Israel retaliated by declaring South Africa’s ambassador to Palestine persona non grata, deepening the diplomatic rift.

South Africa’s stance reflects its history of opposing apartheid and aligning with Palestinian rights, including legal action at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.