South African city suspends councilor over pro-Israel comment
Mpho Phalatse tells pro-Israel conference, 'I am a friend of Israel and the city of Johannesburg is a friend of Israel,' prompting Johannesburg mayor to suspend her, adding he's 'disappointed' councilor attributed personal sentiments to the city.
The mayor of South Africa's economic hub Johannesburg suspended a senior councilor Tuesday after she made a public declaration that the city was a "friend" of Israel.
According to a video of her speech, Mpho Phalatse, a councilor in charge of health, said at a weekend pro-Israel event: "I would like to declare that I am a friend of Israel and the city of Johannesburg is a friend of Israel."
"We value you, we celebrate you, we appreciate you, feel at home..." she told participants at a conference held as part of a series of events organized by pro-Israel community and religious groups.
Mayor Herman Mashaba announced that he had decided "to suspend... Phalatse pending an investigation into the full and proper context in which those remarks were made."
Mashaba said he was "disappointed" that the councilor attributed her personal sentiments to the city on such an "emotional and sensitive" issue.
The councilor is a member of the country's main opposition Democratic Alliance which is in power in the city of Johannesburg.
The party supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Last month, South Africa recalled its ambassador to Israel after over 60 Palestinians were killed in clashes with Israeli forces during protests over the US embassy opening in Jerusalem.
