Malema Calls for Closure of Israel’s Embassy in Response to US Threats, DA Expresses Concern

By HMR News Updates
Date: February 12, 2025

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, Julius Malema, has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to take a firm stand against foreign pressure by closing Israel’s embassy in South Africa. Malema’s comments come in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s Executive Order, which allegedly targets South Africa over its stance on land expropriation, sparked by the Expropriation Act and AfriForum’s claims.

Malema believes the real reason for the US’s aggressive stance is not land expropriation, but rather South Africa's position on Israel. During the debate on the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Cape Town, Malema emphasized that South Africa is facing foreign pressure because of its support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its firm stance against Israel’s policies.

"Mr. President, we are not being attacked because of land expropriation. We are being attacked because of our stand on Israel. They are using the Expropriation Act as an excuse to punish us for our support of Palestine and the actions we’ve taken against Israel,” Malema asserted.

The EFF leader called on the South African government to remain resolute and not be intimidated by the pressures from foreign powers, reaffirming the country’s sovereignty and commitment to standing up for global justice.

♦️Must Watch♦️

The EFF President and Commander In Chief @Julius_S_Malema debating the State Of The Nation Address (#SONA2025) in Parliament.

We stand on the shoulders of giants who confronted the establishment with their very lives, and we are willing to follow in their… pic.twitter.com/3TwbMBoIKG

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) February 11, 2025

In contrast, opposition party leaders, including Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen, have voiced serious concerns over the potential repercussions of the US’s actions, especially the possibility of South Africa losing preferential trade access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Steenhuisen warned that South Africa must unite to navigate this geopolitical crisis, stressing the importance of the country coming together in the face of external threats.

"The decision by the US President to cut funding is a significant concern. If America puts its interests ahead of ours, we could face more challenges," said Steenhuisen during his parliamentary address. "It’s crucial that the government unites to manage the potential fallout, particularly in terms of economic impacts and international relations."

The debate surrounding the US’s position and its implications for South Africa has been a focal point in the SONA discussions, with political leaders urging the government to show resilience in the face of external pressure.

As the situation unfolds, the South African government faces a delicate balancing act between maintaining its sovereignty, economic stability, and diplomatic relations with key international partners.