The Israeli embassy remains downgraded, limited to basic visa services.
PRETORIA — The South African Cabinet is expected to reach a decision by year-end on whether to permanently shut down the Israeli embassy in Pretoria, International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola said Tuesday.
Speaking during a parliamentary Q&A session, Lamola confirmed a Cabinet memorandum is in preparation, following a 2023 National Assembly resolution supporting the embassy’s closure.
“In accordance with the constitutional principle of the separation of powers, the authority to decide on the possible closure… rests solely with the Cabinet,” he said.
The Israeli embassy remains downgraded, limited to basic visa services. Lamola added that any move towards economic sanctions would also require Cabinet deliberation.
He emphasized, “It will be processed objectively… with no external pressure… The South African government will act within its sovereignty.”
Lamola also reaffirmed South Africa’s support for a two-state solution and legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice, urging international cooperation to end the conflict in Gaza.