Following the ongoing Israel-Palestinian conflict, South African lawmakers have voted to close down Israel’s embassy in Pretoria.
The lawmakers also want to suspend diplomatic relations with Israel until a ceasefire is agreed in hostility with the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in Gaza.
The move by the lawmakers is symbolic to the administration of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s who will decide whether to implement it or not.
A spokesperson for the presidency, Vincent Magwenya said, “the president and cabinet are engaged over the matter, which remains the responsibility of the national executive”.
Ramaphosa, along with high-ranking officials from the foreign ministry, have expressed disapproval of Israel’s leadership throughout its military operation targeting Hamas in the densely populated Gaza Strip. They have urged the International Criminal Court to conduct an investigation into potential war crimes committed by Israel.
The Israeli ambassador in Pretoria was recalled to Tel Aviv for deliberations in anticipation of the vote, which was subsequently approved by a substantial majority of 248-91 on Tuesday.
