Israel wants to strengthen its influence in Africa to afford a pool of votes at the UN

The seat of the State of Israel in the UN General Assembly (illustrative image).

AP - EDUARDO MUNOZ

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1 min

The Jewish state is organizing a conference in Paris on Tuesday with the aim of strengthening its presence on the African continent.

After the normalization of its relations with several Arab countries within the framework of the Abraham Accords, Israel now wishes to move up a gear and get closer to as many countries on the continent as possible.

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With our correspondent in Jerusalem,

Weaving new friendships in Africa or creating relationships of pure interest, it doesn't matter, Israel, like many countries, obeys a simple rule: that of "realpolitik", analyzes Irit Back, specialist in Africa at the University of Tel Aviv. .

The Jewish state needs new partners, and above all their diplomatic support.

So the African continent with its 54 countries is perceived as a real pool of votes at the UN.

Because Israel feels mistreated within the United Nations.

In recent years, the General Assembly has regularly adopted resolutions condemning Israel's settlement policy and its excessive use of force against Palestinians.

Through the strengthening of its presence on the African continent, Israel hopes to develop new alliances.

These new friends would stand alongside the Jewish state, and support it on the international stage.

Give-and-take, "

", explains Irit Back.

But in this quest for African support, two major obstacles stand in the way of the Jewish state: Algeria and South Africa.

Both countries are strong supporters of the Palestinian cause.

► To read also: Middle East: towards a normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia?

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