 On 24 May 1948, nine days after Israel's declaration of independence, the South African government of Jan Smuts, a long-time supporter of Zionism, granted "de facto" recognition to the State of Israel, just two days before his United Party was voted out of office and replaced by the pro-apartheid National Party.South Africa was the seventh nation to recognise the new Jewish state.On 14 May 1949, South Africa granted "de jure" recognition to the State of Israel.