DIRCO on recent developments in the Middle East, including proposed Israeli annexation of West Bank; with Minister

Meeting report

Introductory remarks by the Chairperson

The Chairperson welcomed the Minister, Deputy Ministers, and officials from DIRCO.  She apologised for not being able to show her face as she is currently experiencing load-shedding. She said that the Middle East Region continues to have civil war hotspots including the long-standing conflict between Palestine and Israel. There are many players involved in the region’s conflicts and South Africa also plays its role in the region within its foreign policy parameters. The Chairperson pointed out that the briefing by the Department today is an information session, the Committee as an oversight body should be given insights by the Department on foreign policy perspectives in the Middle East including a perspective on liability of a two-state solution regarding the Israel/Palestine conflict. In this information session, the Committee will be assessing how DIRCO is managing the country’s foreign policy in the Middle East, particularly in the longstanding conflict between Israel and Palestine. The Committee wants to be informed as to what diplomatic activities are intended in the Middle East to allow South Africa to project its peacebuilding efforts within the region. In the very near future Members have requested to host Ambassadors from both Israel and Palestine to address the Committee on each country’s viewpoint on the two-state solution theory. The Committee also intends to invite civil society actors to make inputs on this discourse as it is important to get opinions from a wide range of stakeholders. All these engagements will assist the Committee in engaging and make recommendations to the executive on South Africa’s role in the Middle East and the Israeli/Palestine conflict. The Chairperson asked that the agenda may be adopted

Mr B Nkosi (ANC) moved for the adoption of the agenda. This was seconded by Mr X Nqola (ANC).

Rev K Meshoe (ACDP) requested that DIRCO brief the Committee on what is happening in Mozambique.

The Chairperson said that today’s presentation is specifically on developments in the Middle East Region. He reminded Members that in the last Committee meeting it was agreed that the Department should brief the Committee on Mozambique but that it will not be today and it may happen in the next Committee meeting.

Briefing on DIRCO’s Foreign Policy perspective on the recent developments in the Middle East including the proposed Israeli annexation of the West Bank

Minister Naledi Pandor said DIRCO is pleased to brief the Committee on the Middle East today; the DG and ambassador will lead the presentation. Essentially what DIRCO attempted to do is to provide the Committee with a brief overview of current developments in the Middle East with a particular reference to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. In the second part of the presentation DIRCO will present an overview of South Africa’s foreign policy stance toward the Middle East. South Africa has a historical commitment to support human rights for the people of Palestine. This support exists alongside South Africa’s believe and the UN resolution of a two-state solution in the Israeli/Palestine conflict.

DIRCO’s Director-General, Mr Kgabo Mahoai, said that Ambassador Zanele Makina who is DIRCO’s Chief Director on the Middle East will lead the presentation today.

Ambassador Zanele Makina said that COVID-19 has affected all countries globally including the Middle East.  The UN call for cessation of hostilities within the Middle East caused a humanitarian pause of 90 consecutive days but despite this call, problems remain within Syria, Yemen, Iran, the blockade of Qatar and the Israeli/Palestine conflict. The world is still trying to find a solution despite the disturbing developments lead by the USA government in terms of what they have called the deal of the century. On 17 May 2020, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented his unity government before parliament, he presented this with a new pledge to annex large parts of the occupied West-Bank and this was scheduled to have been taken place on 1 July 2020. The Israeli plan to annex is linked to the USA peace plan that was presented on 28 January 2020 with the intention to continue the permanent colonisation of Palestinian land which is in breach of UN Charter and all other relevant international laws. This is a violation against the UN Security Council Resolution 2234 of 2016. This peace plan recognises Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital and gives Israel absolute security control over the occupied Palestinian territories. The people of Palestine want a two-state solution on the basis of the pre-1967 borders with East- Jerusalem as their Capital state.  Since taking office in 2016, President Trump has altered long standing USA policies towards the state of Palestine which has led to a further deadlock for the Middle East peace process. The USA has fuelled tensions through the moving of the USA Embassy to Jerusalem, the recognition of Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights, the closure of the PLO office in Washington, and the tacit approval for accelerated expansion of illegal Israeli settlements.

South Africa’s position on the Israeli/Palestinian situation has always been clear and will continue to call for inalienable right of the Palestinian people for self-determination and independence, no military solution to the conflict and that peaceful negotiation is the only means of ensuring lasting peace, prosperity, security and stability. And as a member of the UN Security Council, it will also continue to engage that the UNSC discharge its mandate and do its part to prevent such a dangerous move, and promote the early resumption of Palestinian-Israeli peace talks in accordance with relevant UN resolutions, the land-for-peace principle and the Arab Peace Initiative.

Syria

Conflict has been raging since 2011 with thousands of people who have died, been injured, and been displaced. Interference of outside role-players, including foreign powers and armed groups, compounded and prolonged the war. Syria has turned into a battlefield for geopolitical rivalry and the ambitions of terrorist groups. However, the conflict is heading towards the final stage. Syrian parties, as well as all international role-players must commit to a peaceful settlement based on the commitments made including the roadmap agreed upon in Security Council resolution 2254 of 2015. South Africa’s position is that Parties work towards a permanent ceasefire paving the way for enabling environment for an inclusive Syrian-led dialogue, aimed at achieving a lasting political solution reflective of the will of the Syrian people. The United Nations Security Council efforts to finding a lasting solution to end the conflict in Syria must be supported. South Africa, encouraged by reported agreement by Government and Opposition sectors of the Constitutional Committee to reconvene in August 2020 at the earliest should the COVID-19 travel restrictions be lifted, which will be the start of a vital political process, to build trust and confidence amongst the parties committed to this process.

Yemen

The conflict dates back to 2014, when Houthi rebels allegedly supported by Iran, overran much of the country including Sanaa, the capital.  In 2015, the situation escalated when a Saudi-led military coalition launched a devastating air campaign aimed at rolling back Houthi territorial gains. Thousands of Yemenis are believed to have been killed, with 14 million at risk of starvation. South Africa’s stance is a solution inclusive Yemeni-led, Yemeni-owned, political settlement, that provides a strong economic and political future for all Yemeni's. Parties to be constantly reminded of their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law to focus on the priority areas of the protection of civilians, humanitarian access, aid funding, strengthening of the Yemeni economy and progress towards peace. South Africa has also urged the parties towards renewed confidence-building measures including the urgent resolution of the Safer oil tanker matter.

Iran

The implications of the US withdrawal from JCPOA and introduction of unilateral and secondary sanctions: this dangerous approach has led to significant political developments in Iran with domestic pressure from hardliners. Iran is in pursuit of a more aggressive regional role; conflict with Saudi Arabia. Sanctions against Iran have a huge impact on its ability to fight COVID-19. Whilst humanitarian transactions with Iran are allowed under the sanction’s regime imposed on the country by the US, access to aid has been difficult due to Iran’s inability to pay for even non-sanctioned humanitarian goods. South Africa believes that the JCPOA is crucial for continued peace and non-proliferation, with unilateral and secondary sanctions not being recognised. Support for dialogue rather than antagonism in order to safeguard gains already made in terms of disarmament and non-proliferation which are essential for the maintenance of broader international peace and security.

Blockade against Qatar

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt imposed a land, sea and air blockade against Qatar, 5 June 2017. Blockading countries claimed that Qatar was fuelling terrorism in the region, and they were too close to Iran. Qatar rejected this claim and stated that there was no justification for such a show of force by these countries, and that this decision was a violation of their sovereignty. Qatar approached the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO) for assistance.  June 2018, ICAO ruled against the blockading countries. Blockading countries referred the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), believing that ICJ was the only authority to rule on the matter. July 2020, ICJ ruled that ICAO does indeed have the authority to deal with the matter and supported the Organisation’s findings on the matter; increased diplomatic activity from Qatar and blockading countries to garner international support for their respective views in anticipation of an ICAO vote on the matter. South Africa remained impartial throughout the conflict, due to nature of relations between South Africa, Qatar on the one hand, and South Africa and blockading countries on the other. South Africa urged both sides to engage in discussion to resolve the conflict. Supporting the GCC countries and the Arab League that are seeking to mediate a peaceful resolution. South Africa has also informed both sides that it was ready to play a constructive role in the dialogue and diplomatic engagements aimed at the peaceful resolution of the situation should it be required, given the strong relations that exist with both sides.

Lebanon

The resignation of the Diab Government on 10 August 2020 in the wake of devastating ammonium nitrate explosions in Beirut on 4 August 2020 had estimated losses amounting to around US$ 15 billion. Lebanon would be unable to pay after already defaulting on sovereign debt exceeding 150% of its economic output, and with talks stalled on a lifeline from the International Monetary Fund. President Ramaphosa has conveyed SA condolences to the government and people of Lebanon. South Africa supports sovereignty of Lebanon and calls for calm in the region and calls on all parties to honour commitments and obligations in line with relevant Security Council resolutions and international law to resolve the outstanding matters, including the delineation of the border and contention along the Blue Line in terms of resolution 1701 (2006), as well as the mandate of the UNIFIL.

Economic Situation in the Middle East

Effects of COVID-19, especially the drop in demand for oil and subsequent slump in oil price affected the Middle East especially the Gulf States negatively with expected negative growth forecast for 2020. The most likely solution to alleviate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will be to utilise the Sovereign Wealth Funds in these countries, which may imply reduced investment potential at state level. The risk for South Africa’s investment pledges made during the President’s Investment Conferences may not materialise. Missions were requested to follow up. South Africa should continue to pursue primary sector production and export to the region, as it remains in demand and would present an opportunity as global production has been curtailed and price competition may result in exploitation of South Africa’s comparative advantages – production costs and market proximity.

Discussion

Mr B Nkosi (ANC) asked what impact the unresolved conflicts in the Middle East had on the Sahel region in Northern Africa because the link between the Sahel and the Middle east is often obscured by focusing only on one region without looking at the interrelations between these regions and the spilling over of conflict particularly in the Middle East as it affects Northern Africa.  How does the African Union (AU) interact with the Middle East and what priorities have the AU identified as important on a diplomatic and on a trade and investment level? What role does the AU security bodies play in making sure the borders and ports of Northern African countries are safe that share borders with the Middle East? On the issue of Palestine he said he is happy that DIRCO is adhering to the principled position that recognises the undeniable right of the people of Palestine to self-determination. He said there is a problematic role played by the USA, The Trump administration has adopted a stance which can be characterised as an aggressive foreign policy approach, the USA’s plan in the Middle east is not only to deny the people of Palestine their right to sovereignty but their actions also fuels tensions in the Middle East. It would be incorrect for the Committee not to call out the USA government on their actions. As far as Israel is concerned, Israel is a belligerent occupier of Palestinian land and under international humanitarian law; Israel has particular responsibilities towards the people of Palestine but also towards respecting their territory and cultural heritage. In whatever form the Committee participates, it must remind the world of the humanitarian responsibilities of Israel towards the Palestinians as Israel continues to occupy Palestine. The Committee must encourage DIRCO and President Ramaphosa as AU chair, to push for a two-state solution through a negotiated peace process in the Middle East because any other approach will plunge this region into a disaster. Some are debating whether there must be one Palestinian state that encompasses both Arabs and Jewish people living under one and this perspective is gaining ground.

Mr G Hendricks (Al Jama-ah) applauded DIRCO’s policy on the Middle East and on Palestine. South Africa’s position is well received by many countries. He said DIRCO must look at the African Medical Supplies Platform, to show support and help countries in the Middle East cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Platform was set up by the AU to deal with the shortfall of medical supplies caused by COVID-19.

Mr X Nqola (ANC) asked if DIRCO has engaged the UN Security Council on the matter of Israel and Palestine and if so, what the outcome of those discussions was. He asked what progress the team has made that was established by the AU to mitigate issues of instability in Libya.

Mr D Bergman (DA) said that looking at geography and history, he is not sure if he received the same education as Members and he is glad for that. He referred Members to look at an atlas, Palestine and Israel makes up only a small part of the whole Middle East and the way Mr Nkosi spoke, and he made it seem as if Israel is the aggressor and the cause of all the problems within the Middle East. He said that the Committee must put that in perspective and when he says that he is not speaking about the oppression of Palestinian people, he is talking about the actual Middle East, It is important that we take out emotion as politicians and employ logic and the first logic that they have to employ is looking at figures and the figures do not lie. When you look at something like the UNDP report which is based on independent facts, this report looks at the quality of lives of people in states and territories, the quality of their education, health and life expectancy. Israel is quite advanced, and they enjoy a high quality of life. The interesting thing is that South Africa falls lower than Israel and Palestine. The thing we should be asking ourselves, is should we be worried more about ourselves internally. He said the Palestinians should be worried about South Africa because South Africa has the worst quality of life based on the UNDP report.  Israel and Palestine need to separate -Arabs own land in Israel and enjoy equal rights on Israeli land. Refugee status and Jerusalem are the areas that are a major source of conflict and these are issues people do not talk about. The key to peace is to start trade between Israel and Palestine and what is really needed is to go to the region itself so that the Committee can understand what was spoken about. He said South Africa always contradicts itself on human rights issues, for example in Syria there are human rights issues and war happening, but South Africa abstains from the vote on Syria, the same with Ukraine. He said there needs to be more consistency in South Africa’s approach.

Ms T Msane (EFF) said that the people of Palestine are dying and being displaced and here a Member comes that should be protecting the people and speaks of trade between countries that he himself says should be separating. She asked if the UN has an alternate body that provides it with information on conflicts, fatalities, and changes in territories where there is instability, apart from the data received from the USA. The USA is involved in conflicts all around the world and the UN mostly relies on the USA to provide them with information. ‘How does the instability in Yemen disadvantage or benefit the shipment of oil’? The Gulf of Aden is where most of these oil ships travel through to get to different destinations. ‘How effective has the unification been’?  Are there any South Africans in Beirut that have approached the South African consulate in need of assistance? On the Issue of Israel and Palestine, the South African government must remain resolute and not side with Israel. As Mr Bergman has said, Palestine and Israel want a separation, this should be granted to them without the exercise of showing who has more power. The only reason Israel has the amount of power it has is because of the continued support it gets from the USA. ‘Should Joe Biden win the USA elections in November, how will this change the dynamics between Israel and Palestine’? She understands that Mr Bergman’s political party might be receiving funding from the Israelites but this should not make Members turn a blind eye to what is happening to the people of Palestine.

Dr C Mulder ( FF+) said it is clear that South Africa wants a peaceful negotiated settlement between Palestine and Israel, but  looking at DIRCO’s policy position on Palestine and Israel, South Africa will not  be able to play an significant role because South Africa is perceived as biased based on their policy position being pro- Palestine and not neutral. The Middle East is changing, and South Africa is being left behind. The new agreement signed between Israel and the United Emirates was supported by South Africa’s BRICS partners India and China. That agreement put the whole annexation on hold and there is an ongoing process which reopens negotiations and the normalisation of relations between Israel and other Arab states. South Africa must play a role to get Israel and Palestine back to the negotiating table but will not be able to do so if South Africa is perceived as being biased.

Ms B Swarts (ANC) said that by Mr Bergman saying he is happy that he got educated somewhere else and referring Members to the atlas is really disappointing for a person who has been in a democratic South Africa for so many years to actually better appreciate his education compared to other Members especially after Mr Nkosi has spoken. Surely there are people on the Committee who are not defending horrible doings happening in other parts of the world. DIRCO should make use of its diplomatic skills to ensure that South Africa plays the role of solidarity with the Palestine government, it is therefore imperative that DIRCO must take proactive and practical steps to give effect to South Africa’s contribution to the Palestinian cause. ‘Can the Department share with the Committee, what steps the Department can take in this regard’?

Mr Nqola said that the imperial forces around the world are hitting hard and they are vicious, and part of what keeps them going is that they have got subjects in every country, hence the Committee hears the remarks of Mr Bergman. It shows imperial forces have spread their wings around the world and they will be hitting harder across the world. It is important to note that Apartheid was brought to its knees through mobilisation and solidarity from the international community. The Committee needs to be part of the solidarity movement that is helping Palestine. The Committee also needs to isolate behaviours such as those of Mr Bergman. There needs to be one voice in saying Palestine has the right to self-determination

Mr Bergman asked to make a comment on what Mr Nqola had said

The Chairperson denied his request and said he will get an opportunity to respond in the second round after the Department has responded as a back and forth between Members will cost the Committee time

Mr Bergman asked why did the Chairperson allowed Mr Nqola to speak twice and not give him the opportunity to respond. ‘Are only ANC members allowed to speak twice’?

The Chairperson said she does not know what Mr Bergman is speaking about and will not respond to him.

DIRCO Response

The Minister said that the Chairperson was right when she said the Committee should invite the ambassadors of Palestine and Israel to brief the Committee. One of the questions the Committee would probably ask the Palestinian ambassador is do Palestinians enjoy the freedoms Mr Bergman has referred to, and is there a human development index of the character he mentions. ‘In terms of the rights enjoyed in South Africa, do Palestinians enjoy the same rights’?  The issues DIRCO has to deal with are complex and the answers are very challenging. The presentation DIRCO made does not only focus on Israel and Palestine but it’s on the entire Middle East Region. The critical question which will lead to peace in the region is the resolution of the Israeli/Palestinian statehood matter. If this matter is not resolved there will be no peace in the entire region because much of the conflict in the region centres on this situation. DIRCO has made it very clear that it cannot be business as usual pretending South Africa’s presence in Israel is making a difference. The moment there is movement indicating a positive intent from Israel for negotiation towards a settlement; South Africa is willing to rebuild ties with Israel. South Africa will continue to advocate for the people of Palestine and a peaceful resolution. South Africa will not support the Bantustan option of the peace plan of President Trump nor will it support the temporary relaxation of the annexation plan. The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that his government will continue with annexations when the temporary relaxation ends, this shows there is no genuine intent from the Israeli government to achieve peace. The impact on the Sahel region has been greater in terms of fuelling conflict through the situation in Libya and the many external forces causing this conflict. This has caused the movement of arms into the Sahel which fuels various insurgent movements in the Sahel.  Every two years the AU and the Arab league host’s an Africa-Arab Summit where issues of commonalty are discussed around trade and investment and not only issues of politics. The conflicts in the Middle East remain on the agenda of the UN Security Council. The Security Council receives reports on the situation in the Middle East on a regular basis. The key question is how the Security Council can play a stronger role in ensuring there are negotiations leading to a successful outcome with Israel/Palestine. The idea of drawing other regions into the portal of COVID- 19 medical supplies forum will be discussed. The UN does not have an alternate body for sourcing information, but they source information from a range of sources including NGO’s and other stakeholders.

Ambassador Zanele Makina continued DIRCO’s response and said that the Minister covered all the questions that were raised, and she will just add a few comments. The notable regional bodies that are bordering the Middle East would be the GCC and the Arab league. The GCC has been weakened by the blockade on Qatar, as result there has not been any engagement of the GCC that would be inclusive of all stakeholders in the region. The agreement that has been signed between Israel and the United Arab Emirates is a precursor of what might unfold. Sudan also announced recently on signing an agreement with Israel. On Joe Biden wining the November elections, DIRCO does not yet know what implications this may have on Israel/Palestine situation and DIRCO will have to wait and see.

Further discussion

The Chairperson thanked the Department, the Minister and the Deputy Ministers for the presentation. She said this is a very important presentation as seen with the emotions displayed by Members who wanted to advance their own political agendas instead of engaging. The Chairperson signalled Mr Bergman and said she does not take kindly to sarcasm and is not scared of him. She was not pleased with what he wrote in the zoom chat. She said she does not have a co-chair and she must be allowed to chair the meeting.

Mr Bergman said it is quite dangerous if the Committee will allow some Members to misrepresent the input of other Members and the Chairperson protects them and not the other Member as this will start something which the Chairperson will not be able to finish. He said he does not take kindly to the threats of the Chairperson.

Mr D Moela (ANC) said Mr Bergman must behave himself as this was a Portfolio Committee and not a rally and all Committee Members should be respected.

Mr Bergman said that Mr Nqola alluded to him being an imperial force. His input was very clear, and Mr Nqola obviously was not listening. He said he believes in a two-state solution and had sympathy for both sides and believes in the right of self-determination of both sides. The dangerous part of it is Mr Nqola had two opportunities to talk and the second time Mr Nqola spoke; he mis-represented everything that he Mr Bergman had said about imperial forces that existed. He said Members must speak the truth and not fabricate lies. Israel/ Palestine is a complex situation and there is even talk about a three-state solution with many asking what will happen to Gaza if a two-state solution is reached.

Dr Mulder said he is concerned about what’s happening in the Portfolio Committee, all Members have strong views on very strong issues but were behaving like primary school children which will not take the Committee forward. The Committee has to deal with very important matters, countries are signing agreements with Israel because the whole world is tired of negotiations being stalled between Israel and Palestine and from his perspective, and he would blame Palestine for negotiations being stalled. South Africa should play a very safe and neutral role. He said will ask the Palestinian Ambassador whether they recognise Israel as a Jewish state.

Ms Swarts raised what Mr Bergman said on the Zoom chat particularly when he said he is not scared of the Chairperson and is it election time. She said that Members must respect each other and there is only one Chairperson on the Committee. If people want to be Chairperson, they must first win elections.

Mr Nqola said that it is important to respect Members viewpoints on matters as Members are here to have objective engagement on matters of international relations and no one should act as if they were a messiah. He said Mr Bergman must know that no one on this Committee was scared of him and Members were just engaging him on his position.  He said Dr Mulder was intimidating him.

Dr Mulder said the Member is creating a false impression, the only reason he was moving his head was because the Member was talking nonsense.

The Chairperson asked Dr Mulder to refrain from saying other Members are talking nonsense

Ms Msane said the AU must put out a stance on the peace deal between the United Arab Emirates and Israel as this peace deal will cause more confusion and will not help the Arab countries. It is already evident that people will piggyback on this peace deal.

The Chairperson said she is reminded of what the late Nelson Mandela said on Palestine, “in extending our hands across the miles to the people of Palestine, we do so in the full knowledge that we are part of a humanity that is of one “when Members come to the Committee and want to turn a blind eye to what is happening in Palestine, it is very disheartening. It is a clear indication that some Members lack humanity. The Committee needs to do some introspection. She requested the Department to maybe show a map of the Israel and Palestine localities.

Minister Pandor said she is not sure where Mr Bergman gets the idea of a three-state solution but both Hamas and Gaza will not agree to a three-state solution. The policy position of South Africa is a two-state solution and DIRCO is committed to that. She said Dr Mulder cannot blame Palestine for stalled talks as Israel has used its power to abuse and coerce. South Africa is not neutral, South Africa supports the people of Palestine.

Ambassador Zanele Makina took Members through a map of where Israel and Palestine are located in the Middle East.

The Chairperson thanked the Ambassador, but she wanted a map which showed how much land Israel has taken from Palestine as it is the bone of contention on the Committee. The Chairperson said the Committee must support government in its efforts to bring peace to the people of Palestine. The Committee will not sit back and not voice its views when there is an Apartheid-style government in other parts of the world. If there are no more fundamental issues, then the Committee can move to the last part of the meeting.

The Chairperson said she assumes that Members read the meeting minutes as they have been sent to Members well in advance. The Committee proceeded with adoption of the meeting minutes. Ms Swarts moved for the adoption of the minutes seconded by Moela. The minutes were adopted and those were the last points of the meeting. The Chairperson thanked the Minister and the Deputy Ministers.

The meeting was adjourned