Lamola: Israel embassy still downgraded — closure decision now in Cabinet’s hands

Lamola

Pretoria — Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola has confirmed that the Israeli Embassy in Pretoria remains downgraded, maintaining South Africa’s diplomatic stance following the 2023 decision by Parliament.

Responding to questions during a session of the National Council of Provinces on Tuesday, Lamola reiterated that the downgrade was enacted in response to Israel’s ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories.

“Consultations have taken place within the relevant government cluster system to prepare a memorandum for submission to Cabinet. In accordance with the constitutional principle of the separation of powers… the authority to decide on the possible closure of the Israeli embassy in South Africa rests with the cabinet.

“Once Cabinet has deliberated and reached a final destination, the Department of International Relations and Co-operation will act in accordance with these directives. At this stage, the embassy remains downgraded,” Lamola said.

South Africa’s move to downgrade the embassy in 2023 marked a clear shift in foreign policy aimed at expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people and condemning Israeli policies regarded as violations of international law.

The downgrade has resulted in a reduction of diplomatic activities but the embassy continues to operate in Pretoria.

The issue remains a sensitive and closely monitored aspect of South Africa’s foreign relations, particularly in light of regional and international developments in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

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