Pandor rebukes Israeli ambassador in SA amid spat over war
International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor says Israel's ambassador to South Africa should desist from any further statements about the country’s opposition to Israel's war in Gaza.
"There seems to be a strange practice amongst some members, ambassadors in South Africa, that they can just say what they like, and our ambassadors conduct themselves with good grace because that is the directive from us for their deployment elsewhere.
"But people think they can have a license. I don't know if it’s because it’s an African country and they disrespect us, but its something that we should not tolerate."
On Monday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said Cabinet had noted what it described as Ambassador Eliav Belotserkovsky’s continuing disparaging remarks about those speaking out against what is happening in Gaza.
ALSO READ: Govt recalls diplomats in Israel ‘for consultations’ amid Hamas war
Ntshavheni said Cabinet had instructed Pandor's department to handle the matter.
South Africa is recalling its diplomats from Tel Aviv for consultation.
Pandor described the move as normal practice.
"When there is a situation which is causing a great deal of harm and concern to a country, you would get your officials to come back to the national setting in order to provide you with a full briefing so that you can make a determination as to whether there is any potential for you to be of assistance."
Mark Regev, who advises Israel's prime minister, insists they're doing all they can to protect innocent people.
"Israel does not target humanitarian organisations, while Hamas uses the medical system. Once again, the case of Shifa Hospital is the most obvious where they've built their command and control. using all the doctors and patients there as the shield."
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