Israel’s ‘return to Africa’ faces blockages

Significance

While rejecting African immigrants, Israel’s government has identified deepening political ties with Africa as a key foreign policy priority. It seeks observer status at the African Union (AU) as part of a broader strategy to gain diplomatic support, build strategic cooperation and access African markets.

Impacts

• Africa may become a more overt arena for Israeli-Palestinian diplomatic competition.
• African votes in international institutions could help Israel combat international boycott campaigns.
• Issues of migration flows and people-smuggling could become increasingly controversial for both Israel and African countries.
• The fact that Israel does not raise human rights issues with African governments might encourage greater cooperation.