The Union of South Africa was one of only four Commonwealth nations to vote in favour of the 1947 UN partition resolution , which led to the establishment of the State of Israel . South Africa was one of the first states to recognize Israel ; diplomatic relations between Israel and South Africa were established in 1948 . After the Sharpeville massacre of 1960 , Israel became a harsh critic of apartheid , leading to a break in its relations with Pretoria . After 1967 , Israel and South Africa became strategic partners again , and this lasted until 1987 when Israel joined the West in forcefully opposing apartheid
Sharpeville massacre
Sharpeville massacre
Foreign relations of Israel