George Galloway warns South Africa of "second Israel" plot

George Galloway, leader of the Workers Party of Britain and former British MP, has brought his anti-Israel campaign to South Africa, where he made an unusual claim during a visit to Cape Town about what he described as plans for a "second Israel" in the country.

Speaking in Cape Town, Galloway warned his audience to be wary of what he called the possibility of a "second Israel" being established in South Africa, drawing comparisons to places like Argentina and Cyprus. He then turned to the question of Western Cape independence, stating that if the region were to become a separate state, it would "quickly turn into the new Tel Aviv."

The 72-year-old British politician was in Cape Town as part of a tour of South Africa alongside journalist Yvonne Ridley, during which he participated in a series of pro-Palestinian events.

Galloway first entered the British Parliament in 1987 as a Labour MP and represented several constituencies over the years. He returned to Parliament in a 2024 by-election in Rochdale but his term ended just months later. He now leads the Workers Party of Britain.

Over the years, he has become known for sharp statements on foreign affairs, particularly regarding Israel and the Palestinians. In recent years he has emerged as one of the most prominent voices in Britain calling for a boycott of Israel and support for the Palestinians. During his current South African visit, he also called on the government to stop coal exports to Israel, arguing that continued trade contradicts South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

In another speech in Cape Town, Galloway said that "colonialism never died, it just changed form."