The Israeli Embassy in South Africa's Cape Town is set to be demoted to a liaison office after 208 South African lawmakers voted, in parliament, for the downgrading of ties with "Israel" earlier on Wednesday.

The measure, which was opposed only by 94 lawmakers, was introduced to parliament by the National Freedom Party, which has two members in parliament, to object to policies of apartheid and discrimination against Palestinians.

Despite being a symbolic move, given that action on this was taken by the government four years ago, South Africa still voted in favor of this decision. 

“This is a historic moment for our country and a demonstration of our unwavering commitment to justice, human rights, and freedom,” South Africa’s National Freedom Party said in a statement after the vote.

"This is a moment [Mandela] would be proud of. He always said our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of Palestinians," the statement read, adding that "Israel was built through the displacement, murder, and maiming of Palestinians. And to maintain their grip on power, they have instituted apartheid to control and manage Palestinians." 

"As South Africans, we refuse to stand by while apartheid is being perpetrated again," the statement concluded.

PRESS STATEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOUTH AFRICAN PARLIAMENT PASSES HISTORIC RESOLUTION TO DOWNGRADE EMBASSY IN ISRAEL

07 March 2023

READ STATEMENTS BELOW

ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL FREEDOM PARTY (NFP) PARLIAMENTARY CAUCUS#NFP #NFPinParliament #NFP2024 #MyNFP #IsrealEmbassy pic.twitter.com/Xpt357tIMJ

— National Freedom Party - NFP (@NFP_Updates) March 7, 2023

'Israel' infuriated by a 'symbolic' decision

The South African decision sent "Israel" through the roof. The Israeli Foreign Ministry (MFA) rebuffed the parliament's decision and called it "shameful" and "disgraceful".

“The symbolic resolution taken yesterday by the South African Parliament calling for the downgrading of relations between South Africa and Israel is shameful and disgraceful,” the Foreign Ministry said.

“Even as a symbolic resolution, it does not contribute in the least to the promotion of any viable solution in the Middle East,” it added.

“At a time when many African and Muslim countries are strengthening and deepening ties with the State of Israel for the benefit of everyone’s common interests, it is unfortunate that South Africa continues to adhere to anachronism and the deterioration of relations, a move that will only harm South Africa itself and its standing.”

It is worth noting that in 2018, South Africa recalled its ambassador from "Israel" to protest the IOF's violence against Palestinian protesters.

Read more: 'Israel' calls expulsion of top diplomatic delegation from AU 'severe'