Israel May Re-examine Its Relations with South Africa

Israel might re-examine its relations with the Republic of South Africa in view of increasing criticism against Israel throughout the world, according to a newspaper report yesterday. Maariv reported in an exclusive story that consultations among high level Foreign Ministry officials, to be followed by consultations with Premier Yitzhak Rabin and Foreign Minister Yigal Allon will take place soon, to reassess all aspects of the present ties between Israel and South Africa.

According to Maariv. some officials in Jerusalem feel that such a reassessment would be made in view of a new administration coming to Washington. In any case, the paper concluded, Israel would maintain a “low profile” in its relations with South Africa. The paper also mentioned that two ministerial visits to South Africa were recently cancelled by Finance Minister Yehoshua Rabinowitz and Commerce Minister Haim Barlev.