Pakistan, Feb. 4 -- The United States has strongly criticized South Africa's decision to expel Israel's top diplomat, calling the move politically driven and harmful to the country's own diplomatic standing. Washington said the action reflected grievance-based politics rather than responsible international engagement.

According to U.S. officials, the expulsion followed public remarks made by the Israeli diplomat regarding the ruling African National Congress party's alleged links with Hamas and other extremist groups. The State Department argued that punishing diplomatic speech undermines democratic values and damages long-term foreign relations.

Meanwhile, South Africa justified its decision by accusing the diplomat of violating diplom...