The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Monday that it had recalled its ambassador from Pretoria, on the eve of South Africa hosting a BRICS summit that will discuss the war in the Gaza Strip.

“In light of South Africa’s recent statements, Israel’s ambassador in Pretoria has been summoned to Jerusalem for consultations,” Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Lior Hayat wrote on the X platform, without additional details.

BRICS leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, will meet on Tuesday via video to discuss “the situation in Gaza and the Middle East.”

The group includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, and seeks a global balance that is more comprehensive and less influenced by the United States and the European Union.

South Africa strongly criticized the heavy Israeli bombing of the Gaza Strip, in response to the Hamas attack inside Israel on October 7.

On November 6, Pretoria announced its decision to recall its diplomats in Israel for consultations and to express its “deep concern,” according to what South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor said.