Trump open to SA reset if Israel stance shifts - Rubio
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says President Donald Trump is open to resetting ties with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa — but only if Pretoria reconsiders its stance on Israel.
Rubio made these remarks during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Tuesday, responding to questions from Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who has been critical of South Africa’s policies.
Cruz reminded the committee that Ramaphosa is in Washington, D.C., preparing to meet with Trump.
He said South Africa’s current trajectory poses a challenge to US interests, citing a clear shift towards China and troubling allegations of corruption linked to Iran.
"You and the president, along with other administration officials, have repeatedly and rightly criticised South African policies, particularly on issues related to human rights and actions that directly undermine American national security,” Cruz said.
"These actions include what appears to be a deliberate and extensive pivot away from the United States toward the Chinese Communist Party.
"There are also serious and credible allegations that South Africa’s decision-making is compromised by widespread corruption, including ties to Iran. Together, they appear to be coordinating efforts to target our Israeli allies on the international stage.”
Cruz went further to highlight Ramaphosa’s aggressive legal actions against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
"President Ramaphosa himself has taken an aggressive stance by leading a genocide case against Israel at the ICJ.
"His administration has pushed for policies that not only undermine Israel but also expose American officials to legal and diplomatic vulnerabilities.
"I have every confidence that President Trump will demand policy changes from South African officials and hold them accountable if they refuse.”
South Africa took Israel to the ICJ in December 2023, alleging violations of the UN Genocide Convention during Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
The ICJ subsequently ordered Israel to prevent acts of genocide.
Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, as well as Hamas commander Mohammed Deif.
Rubio underscored that any progress in US-South Africa relations depends heavily on Pretoria’s willingness to change course.
"We chose not to participate in this year’s G20, hosted by South Africa, at either the foreign minister or presidential level,” Rubio said.
“This decision was based on concerns, including aspects of their agenda that do not align with this administration’s priorities.”
"President Ramaphosa is in Washington seeking to reset relations with the US. President Trump is always open to re-engagement, but that dialogue must address critical issues, particularly South Africa’s position on Israel.
“Their stance is not just unbalanced; it is firmly aligned with one side, raising serious concerns about foreign influence, especially from Iran.”
Rubio also expressed concern over South Africa’s voting record in international forums.
"On the global stage and within multilateral institutions, South Africa has consistently voted against American interests. While occasional policy differences are normal in diplomacy, persistent opposition reveals a troubling pattern.”
"Their campaign against Israel undermines American interests because it echoes the rhetoric of our adversaries, including Iran and radical groups that chant ‘death to America’.
"We are also deeply concerned by South Africa’s support for international bodies that could seek to prosecute US officials over policy decisions, despite the US not being party to those conventions. This alignment with countries like Iran and China is deeply troubling.”
