The Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that the Israeli Ambassador to South Africa, Eliav Belotsercovsky, has been recalled for consultations following the "latest statements from South Africa".
Anti-Israel sentiments remain prevalent in South Africa, where the government has frequently accused Israel of applying a policy of “apartheid” towards Palestinian Arabs.
The tensions have been on the rise since the start of Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza.
The South African government announced earlier this month it was recalling its ambassador and entire diplomatic mission from Israel in protest against Israel's attempts to defend itself from the Hamas terrorist organization following the October 7 massacre.
Later, South Africa called in Ambassador Belotsercovsky for a formal reprimand, citing “public comments” he had made.
Last week, South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) party said it would support a parliamentary motion to suspend diplomatic relations with Israel until it agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza.
In 2019, the country announced plans to downgrade its embassy in Tel Aviv.