1994, following South Africa’s first democratic elections, Nelson Mandela became president. In August 1993, Mandela expressed the ANC’s displeasure with the past Israel-South Africa ties during apartheid but showed a willingness to move beyond it, recognising both Palestinian nationalism and Zionism as Jewish nationalism. He advocated for Israel’s right to exist within secure borders and equally supported Palestinian self-determination.
Mandela did not visit Israel during his presidency, noting he had been invited by almost every country except Israel after his 1990 prison release. He eventually visited Israel in October 1999 as part of a Levant tour, maintaining his firm opposition to Israeli control over Gaza, the West Bank, Golan Heights, and Southern Lebanon. However, he acknowledged Israel’s past cooperation with the apartheid regime but distinguished it from participating in atrocities.
In 2004, South African President Thabo Mbeki engaged in bilateral talks regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He hosted Israel’s Likud delegation in September and Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in October. These talks came after a strained period in relations, marked by South Africa’s criticism of Israel’s construction of the West Bank barrier. Earlier that year, a South African delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad had supported the Palestinian case at the International Court of Justice.
South African Criticism of Israeli Occupation
A 2007 public opinion poll in South Africa revealed mixed views among its citizens regarding Israel. Nonetheless, some notable South African figures like Desmond Tutu and Cabinet Minister Ronnie Kasrils have been outspoken critics of Israel’s policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, often drawing comparisons between apartheid-era South Africa and modern Israel. In contrast, opposition politician Kenneth Meshoe disagreed with such comparisons, while Fumanekile Gqiba, a former South African ambassador to Israel, had a nuanced view. He observed a dominance of Ashkenazi culture in Israel’s systems of authority but hesitated to label Israel as classically racist. Moreover, both the ANC and the South African government have increasingly endorsed the analogy between Israeli policies and South African apartheid.
In 2008, a group of ANC veterans visited Israel and the Occupied Territories, concluding that some aspects were worse than apartheid. Following the 2018 Gaza border protests, the ANC likened the Palestinian resistance to the struggle against apartheid, criticised the Israeli military for brutality comparable to Hitler’s, and called for widespread opposition to Israel. Simultaneously, the South African government indefinitely recalled its Ambassador to Israel, Sisa Ngombane, in protest against the Israeli military’s actions.
Throughout the 2010s, these perspectives frequently resulted in diplomatic tensions. South Africa has been a consistent backer of anti-Israel resolutions at the UN. The 2010 Gaza flotilla raid led South Africa to recall its ambassador from Israel and to summon the Israeli ambassador for a reprimand.
2018–present: Downgraded Relations
After a brief détente in 2017, South Africa indefinitely withdrew its ambassador on May 14, 2018, following the Gaza border protests. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation demanded the withdrawal of the Israeli Defence Force from Gaza, condemning their incursions into Palestinian territories. The ANC, in a more forceful statement, urged South Africans to view the Israeli government and its armed forces as pariahs.
Since South Africa’s unilateral diplomatic downscaling, relations with Israel have been tense. In 2021, South Africa’s Department of Sports, Arts and Culture withdrew support for Miss South Africa after it declined to boycott the Miss Universe event in Eilat, Israel. Throughout 2021 and 2022, South Africa and Algeria unsuccessfully attempted to remove Israel’s observer status in the African Union.
During the 2023 Israel-Gaza war, South Africa’s Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor condemned Israel’s actions as “crimes against humanity.” Subsequently, the ANC urged the government to close its embassy in Tel Aviv.
The South African cabinet called on the International Criminal Court to issue an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, recalled its ambassador and withdrew all diplomatic staff from Israel. Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, the Minister in the Presidency, criticised the Israeli ambassador to South Africa for remarks against those opposing Israeli government actions.
On November 21, the South African Parliament passed an Economic Freedom Fighters motion to close the Israeli embassy and sever diplomatic ties until a ceasefire in Gaza was agreed upon. Before the vote, Israel had recalled its ambassador to South Africa. Following the November 22 ceasefire, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed hope that it would permanently resolve the conflict.
The Post-Apartheid Era
In the post-apartheid era, South Africa’s relationship with Israel has undergone significant changes, especially in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict. South Africa has become more active in international forums advocating for peace and justice in the Middle East. This era is marked by critical diplomatic incidents and statements highlighting the evolving dynamics between the two nations. Recent South African administrations have maintained a complex and nuanced stance towards Israel, often critiquing Israeli policies, particularly concerning Palestinian territories. This approach contrasts broader foreign policy trends, shaped distinctly by South Africa’s historical experiences.
Human Rights and Solidarity
Given its history of apartheid, South Africa possesses a strong empathy for oppressed groups, notably the Palestinians. This empathy and active human rights and solidarity movements within the country significantly influence South Africa’s foreign policy towards Israel. The nation aligns itself closely with the Palestinian cause, drawing parallels to its struggle against apartheid. This alignment drives vigorous advocacy for Palestinian rights both in government. This alignment drives strong advocacy for Palestinian rights both in government policy and through civil society initiatives.
Future Trajectories
Looking ahead, the trajectory of South Africa-Israel relations is poised for continued evolution, influenced by various factors. Experts foresee a landscape marked by both challenges and opportunities:
Diplomatic Challenges: The primary challenges in diplomatic engagement likely stem from ongoing disagreements over the Israel-Palestine conflict. South Africa’s firm stance on Palestinian rights and its criticism of Israeli policies could lead to strained interactions. Additionally, global geopolitical shifts and regional developments in the Middle East could further complicate diplomatic relations.
Opportunities for Constructive Dialogue: Despite these challenges, there are avenues for constructive dialogue. This could involve South Africa playing a mediating role in the Israel-Palestine conflict, leveraging its unique experience with apartheid to foster understanding and negotiations.
Cooperation in Various Fields: Beyond politics, there are opportunities for collaboration in areas like technology, agriculture, and water management — where Israel is a global leader and South Africa can benefit significantly. Cultural and academic exchanges could also be areas for positive engagement.
Influence of Domestic Developments: Domestic politics in both countries will play a crucial role. Changes in leadership, policy shifts, and public opinion in South Africa and Israel could bridge or widen gaps. For instance, a change towards more right-wing policies in either country could further complicate relations.
International Dynamics: The global political environment will influence the relationship, including the stance of major powers like the United States and the European Union on the Israel-Palestine issue. South Africa’s role and position within African and BRICS nations could also impact its approach towards Israel.
Human Rights and Ethical Considerations: South Africa’s strong emphasis on human rights, informed by its apartheid past, will continue to influence its approach towards Israel. The country’s advocacy for Palestinian rights and opposition to policies it views as oppressive will remain a cornerstone of its foreign policy.
Overall, the evolution of South Africa’s policy towards Israel reflects a complex mix of historical, political, and ethical considerations. This relationship, deeply influenced by South Africa’s apartheid legacy, exemplifies how historical contexts can significantly affect a nation’s foreign policy. It serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of a country’s past on its current and future diplomatic relations.