- The SA Jewish Board of Deputies said it is crucial for the South African mission to remain in Israel.
- This in the wake of the recent Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- South Africa recalled its ambassador to the State of Israel in May 2018.
South Africa is not committing to cutting ties with Israel.
This according to International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor.
Responding to a parliamentary question, she reiterated the government's stance on the matter.
"South Africa has recently issued a number of media statements strongly condemning the actions of the Israeli government, where casualties have been mostly innocent civilians, children, women and the elderly.
"South Africa recalled its ambassador accredited to the State of Israel, Mr Sisa Ngombane, in May 2018. The government remains seized with the modalities related to its diplomatic relations with the State of Israel. The department will communicate any further actions still under consideration," Pandor said.
This in response to a question from EFF MP Thembi Portia Msane who wanted details on South Africa's "response to the criminal and indiscriminate killing of Palestinians by the State of Israel".
After nearly two weeks of violence in the Gaza Strip, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was announced.
Al Jazeera reported it came into force after Egypt brokered an agreement between the two parties.
The 11-day conflict claimed the lives of at least 232 Palestinians, including 65 children. Twelve Israelis, including two children, were killed.
According to the UN, at least 90 000 people have been displaced in Gaza.
The SA Jewish Board of Deputies' national director, Wendy Kahn, said if South Africa truly wanted a resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and wanted to play a part, it should be looking to increase its presence in both countries.
Kahn told News24, the government's failure to thus far acknowledge the 4 000 rockets that Hamas fired into Israeli civilian areas was telling.
"It also negates their ability to play a role as any kind of peace broker. This is so incongruent to the way in which they approach all other conflicts globally and on our continent," she said.
In respect of South Africa's mission in Israel, Khan added: "During the Covid-19 pandemic in particular, they provided incredible support to South Africans in Israel as well as assisting with repatriation processes.
"It would be extremely important for the South African mission to remain functioning. There are many South Africans in Israel for various reasons - trade, tourism, religious and personal. As South Africans they are entitled to diplomatic assistance when required.
"Furthermore, South Africa has a role to play in encouraging peace building. They should be bringing the parties together in dialogue. This is not possible without a diplomatic presence in the country."