Israel and Africa Relations: From Severing Ties in the 1970s to Strengthening Ties in the 1990s

Abstract

Israel’s relations with African countries have undergone changes over the decades, from establishment in the 1950s and 1960s, through severance in the 1970s and to strengthening and expansion of the ties today. This chapter discusses the warming of Israel-Africa relations in the last two decades, analyzes the motives of Israel and the African countries, and examines the actions Israel has taken to strengthen those relations. Unlike the 1950s, when values-based motive stood out among other interests in Israel’s efforts to establish relations in Africa, today the Israeli motive is mainly expressed as an attempt to gain political support from African countries within the “battles of legitimacy” conducted within international organizations in general and in the UN arena in particular, in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Indeed, the voting pattern of African countries has changed positively for Israel in recent years in a way that is a testament to the successful development of closer relations. Therefore, this chapter reviews the Israeli effort to expand relations with African countries, reflected in frequent official visits, security ties, and provision of civilian assistance.