South Africa's ANC party seeks embassy downgrade in Israel in support of Palestinians

South Africa's ruling party says the country's embassy in Israel should be downgraded to a liaison office to show support for the Palestinians.

MENA

2 min read

The New Arab & agencies

21 December, 2017

South Africa is known for its longstanding support for Palestine [AFP]

South Africa's ruling party says the country's embassy in Israel should be downgraded to a liaison office to show support for Palestine.

Delegates to a national party meeting endorsed the proposal to the government for "an immediate and unconditional downgrade" of the embassy in Tel Aviv, the African National Congress (ANC) said late on Wednesday.

The proposal comes ahead of a UN General Assembly vote due to take place on Thursday on a resolution urging US President Donald Trump to rescind his decision recognising Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

South African media say the ANC endorsed a boycott of Israel at a party meeting in 2012 but the government did not implement it.

ANC delegates this week elected Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa as the party's new leader, while President Jacob Zuma remains head of state.

Trump sparked global outrage after he declared Jerusalem as Israel’s capital on December 6.

Israel regards Jerusalem as its capital, a position nearly the entire world rejects saying its status should be determined in peace talks with the Palestinians.

Jerusalem is a key issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and Arab leaders and others have reacted in anger.

Trump's move has been condemned worldwide and protests have taken place globally in US, UK, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia, Egypt, Jordan.