The United States has expelled South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool following Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s remarks condemning him as Persona Non Grata. Rasool has made inflammatory statements regarding Israel and expressed support for Hamas. The South African government has expressed disappointment over the expulsion while continuing to advocate for a diplomatic relationship with the U.S., even amidst rising tensions over the Israel-Palestine conflict.
The United States has expelled South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, following Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s designation of him as Persona Non Grata. This decision comes after Rasool characterized President Donald Trump as leading a “global white supremacist” movement. Rubio emphasized that Rasool is unwelcome in the United States and stated, “We have nothing to discuss with him.”
In defense of Rasool, the South African government expressed its regret over the expulsion and advocated for a relationship based on mutual benefit with the United States. Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation, mentioned that the government would continue engagement through diplomatic channels.
Ambassador Rasool has been an outspoken supporter of Hamas, a group that calls for the destruction of Israel. He has publicly rejected Israel’s existence, claiming that he does not endorse any religiously exclusive state. In his words, “I do not support Israel as ‘Jewish’ just as I do not support any religiously exclusive state.” Apart from his vocal opposition to Israel, Rasool promotes close ties with Iran and has been a strong advocate for South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
Following the recent conflict escalation, the South African government has not condemned Hamas’s attack, which included the massacre of 1,200 Israelis. Instead, it accused Israel of committing genocidal actions against Palestinians during the Iron Swords War. A report in November 2024 revealed that the Iranian regime had financed South Africa’s genocide case against Israel. Israel, alongside many European nations, has dismissed these genocide allegations, asserting the necessity of defending itself against terrorism.
The German government reaffirmed support for Israel, stating that Hamas’s objective is the complete destruction of Israel, emphasizing that since the attacks on October 7, 2023, Israel has been responding defensively to terrorism.
The expulsion of Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool signifies escalating tensions between the United States and South Africa, particularly regarding attitudes toward Israel and Hamas. The South African government’s response indicates a desire to maintain diplomatic relations despite this incident. Furthermore, the ongoing discourse surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict remains a focal point of international debate, highlighting contrasting perspectives on acts of terrorism, state sovereignty, and diplomatic engagements.
Original Source: allisrael.com
