In what could mark a historic foreign policy turning point, South Africa’s Cabinet is expected to decide by the end of 2025 whether to permanently close the Israeli Embassy in Pretoria. The pending decision, revealed by International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola, follows a 2023 parliamentary resolution calling for the suspension of diplomatic relations with Israel until a lasting ceasefire in the Israel-Palestine conflict is achieved.
Lamola confirmed that a detailed memorandum—resulting from months of internal consultations—has been finalized and will soon be tabled before Cabinet. “The decision will be rooted in the Constitution and national interest, without succumbing to external pressure,” he said, signalling a principled and independent approach to the issue.
Currently, the Israeli embassy has been downgraded to a basic consular outpost, offering limited services such as visa processing. A full closure would solidify South Africa’s alignment with Palestinian solidarity, a position long influenced by the country’s own history of resistance against apartheid.
In tandem with the diplomatic downgrade, government officials are also exploring the possibility of economic sanctions against Israel, though Lamola acknowledged that such steps would need international coordination to be truly effective.
With the year-end deadline looming, the final decision is expected to echo globally, further cementing South Africa’s stance on justice, sovereignty, and global human rights.
