Israel recalls ambassador to SA for 'further consultation'
Israel has recalled its
ambassador to South Africa.
It comes on the eve of a National Assembly vote on whether South Africa should suspend diplomatic ties with Israel.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is also due to host a virtual BRICS summit on the war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The Israeli foreign ministry indicated that Ambassador Eli Belotserkovsky is being recalled for consultations following the latest statements by the South African government.
The country last week called on the International Criminal Court to investigate whether war crimes have been committed against the Palestinian people.
It made the referral alongside four countries, including Bangladesh and Bolivia.
During a post-cabinet briefing on Monday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said cabinet is concerned about the atrocities being committed in Gaza.
"Including the deliberate attacks on the United Nations School in Gaza and the massacre of hundreds of children who had sought refuge at the school, in addition to the continued attacks on hospital staff, patients and hospital infrastructure."
READ: Ntshavheni expects ICC to grant arrest warrant for Netanyahu
MPs last week debated a motion on the proposed closure of Israel's embassy in South Africa, as well as the suspension of all diplomatic relations with Israel.
The Hamas-run health ministry in Gasa says the death toll from the war, which is now in its seventh week, has claimed the lives of more than 13,000 people in Gaza, mostly civilians.
