Latest news with #IsraelVisit
Russia Today
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
African National Congress demands probe into ‘shameful' Israel trip
The ANC has demanded an urgent parliamentary probe into what it calls a 'shameful' visit to Israel by MPs from the DA, PA, and ACDP — slamming the trip as a disgraceful and a constitutionally reckless act that defies South Africa's official stance on the conflict. Speaking in the National Assembly on Tuesday, ANC MP Fasiha Hassan delivered a scathing rebuke of the delegation, describing the trip as 'irresponsible' and 'a betrayal of South Africa's constitutional values and its historic solidarity with the Palestinian people.' In a moment of fierce condemnation, Hassan declared, 'shame on you,' to the MPs involved. The visit occurred amid the ongoing war on Gaza, which has resulted in over 60,000 Palestinian deaths and the displacement of millions. 'What 'facts' were these MPs looking for?' Hassan questioned, 'when the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is well-documented and undeniable.' Hassan likened the delegation's actions to the apartheid-era propaganda tactics, recalling how the National Party once orchestrated similar international visits to sanitise racial oppression and white minority rule. 'This trip echoes the shameful tactics of the apartheid past,' she said. The incident has provoked additional outrage given its timing: South Africa is currently leading a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which has ruled that a plausible case of genocide exists. Hassan alleged that the visiting MPs were attempting to justify crimes against humanity. She stated this was not a mission for truth — it was an endorsement of brutality under the guise of diplomacy. At least ten MPs were part of the visit, facilitated by the South African Friends of Israel. The itinerary included a high-profile meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The DA sent several senior figures, including its spokesperson on international relations, Emma Powell; justice spokesperson, Glynnis Breytenbach; and chairperson of the Social Development Committee, Bridget Masango. The PA was represented by Ashley Sauls and Milicent Mathopa, while the ACDP's delegation included Chief Whip Steve Swart and former MP Marie Sukers. The ANC and other critics have emphasised that the trip was not authorised by Parliament or the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). Meanwhile, DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp had told IOL previously that 'the trip was arranged and attended by individuals in their private capacity and not through the party'. The PA defended their MPs, stating that their policies and political positions were known when they entered the GNU. The party added that the trip was not a published by IOL
Al Arabiya
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
US defense secretary scraps visit to Israel: Reports
The US defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, has scrapped a visit to Israel that was put together in recent days, Israeli media reported on Friday. Hegseth was planning to travel to Israel in the days ahead of President Donald Trump's visit to the Gulf next week, sources familiar with his travel plans said. But on Friday, Israeli media reported that the trip had been canceled without elaborating. The Pentagon had not made any official announcements regarding his travel to Israel, but it is expected that he will travel with Trump next week for the president's first official overseas visit, which will take him to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Israeli officials have been caught by surprise multiple times since Trump took office, despite a widespread belief that the US president would accept embattled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plans for the region. In recent days, Trump made a surprise announcement that the US and Yemen's Houthi militia had agreed to a ceasefire in the Red Sea. And despite the announcement coming hours after Israel responded to a Houthi attack on Ben Gurion Airport, the truce did not include stopping Houthi attacks on Israel. Last month, Trump revealed that the US and Iran were engaging in talks to reach a new nuclear deal. Sitting next to Trump in the Oval Office, Netanyahu was visibly surprised. And before that, the Trump administration engaged in direct talks with Hamas over the release of American hostages being held in Gaza, much to the chagrin of Netanyahu and his government. One common theme the US and Israel agree on is not allowing Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon. Netanyahu has been lobbying for a direct strike on Iran's nuclear facilities but was held back last month by Trump. Trump has threatened military force if Iran does not agree to a new deal. The fourth round of talks between Washington and Tehran is expected to be held in the coming weeks. Trump's special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, has been accused by many pro-Israeli sides in Washington of being weak and appeasing Iran. Witkoff hit back at critics during an interview aired on Friday and said Trump does not think military force is 'productive in many circumstances.' In the interview with Breitbart News, Witkoff said attacks on his negotiations with Iran were a result of a 'neocon element' that 'believes war is the only way to solve things.'
