Not only does Israel-African trade offer up a wealth of economic opportunities for both sides, but for Israel specifically, the continent’s ability to act as a support constituency for the Jewish state at the United Nations and other international fora is an opportunity that Jerusalem can ill-afford to ignore.
The UN has historically been a hotbed of anti-Semitism and anti-Israel activities. The recent UNESCO resolution ignoring Jewish (and Christian) ties to the Temple Mount, whilst affirming Islamic claims, is a case in point. But in Africa, there is some evidence that the wind is shifting in Israel’s direction. Many African states are now more apt to abstain from anti-Israel votes, rather than endorse them, as in days past. Obviously, diplomatic efforts now need to encourage a move from abstention to positive support for Israel.
The current government of Israel seems to be recognizing these changes, and in the last year or so Israel’s return to Africa has been most evident. In fact, in 2016 Benjamin Netanyahu was the first sitting...
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