Israel's national carrier El Al announced on Friday that it would be suspending its flights to and from South Africa until March, in the wake of accusations made to the International Criminal Court in the Hague against Israel and amid a drip in demand.
The South African government has been openly hostile towards Israel, with its campaign intensifying since October 7th. Pretoria's stance includes strong support for Hamas and allegations of genocide against Israel in Gaza.
These harsh criticisms are not only directed at Israel but also serve as part of an internal political strategy. The ruling ANC is currently engaged in an election campaign.
While South African leaders have become more radical in recent months, the general population appears to be in support of Israel's anti-terrorism efforts.
The government's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict has stirred controversy both domestically and internationally, highlighting the complexities of this long-standing issue.