BREAKING: Israeli PM Seeks African Ties at US Summit in Bid to Normalize Relations

Washington, D.C. – [July 9, 2025]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is leveraging his presence at a high-profile summit hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden to engage with African leaders, signaling a renewed push to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between Israel and African nations.

Sources close to the discussions reveal that Netanyahu aims to capitalize on the multilateral gathering to hold sideline meetings with several African counterparts. This move aligns with Israel’s broader strategy to expand its influence in Africa and normalize relations with historically non-aligned or Arab-backed nations.

A Strategic Diplomatic Push
The Israeli government has intensified efforts in recent years to court African allies, seeking to counterbalance its diplomatic isolation in multilateral forums and gain support against Palestinian statehood recognition. Several African countries, including Sudan, Morocco, and Chad, have already moved toward normalization under U.S.-brokered deals.

Analysts suggest Netanyahu’s latest outreach could target key players like Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana—nations with significant geopolitical weight on the continent. Economic incentives, including technology-sharing and security cooperation, are expected to be central to the discussions.

Mixed Reactions from Africa
While some African leaders have welcomed deeper engagement with Israel, others remain cautious, citing longstanding solidarity with Palestine and concerns over regional stability. The African Union (AU) has historically supported Palestinian self-determination, though individual member states have increasingly pursued bilateral deals with Tel Aviv.

What’s Next?
As talks unfold in Washington, observers will be watching for any immediate agreements or shifts in African-Israeli relations. Should Netanyahu succeed, this could mark another step in Israel’s campaign to reshape its diplomatic footprint across the Global South.

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