Israel seeks to raise profile in Africa with Netanyahu trip

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a ceremony marking the US Independence Day at the residence of the US Ambassador to Israel in Herzliya, near Tel Aviv, on June 30, 2016. AFP Photo 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to make his first trip as premier to Africa, seeking new trade partners and marking the 40th anniversary of a hostage rescue in which his brother died.

He is the first sitting Israeli prime minister to travel to Africa since Yitzhak Rabin visited Casablanca in 1994.

While no official itinerary has been announced, Netanyahu is expected to visit Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and Rwanda.

Israel’s cabinet approved a proposal on June 25 to open offices of Israel’s Agency for International Development in the four countries.

Netanyahu told the cabinet that his visit “is part of a major effort on our part to return to Africa in a big way”.

“This is important for Israeli companies and for the state of Israel. It is also important for the countries of Africa,” he said.

The trip comes at a time when Israel is launching a $13 million aid package to strengthen economic ties and cooperation with African countries, said Netanyahu’s office.

Israel would also provide African states with training in “domestic security” and health, it said.

“Israel’s comparative advantage in these fields has created great interest in African countries seeking training from Israel,” it said.

“The African continent constitutes vast potential for Israel in very many areas.”

Netanyahu has publicly accepted an invitation from Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta.

He said he wants to make the trip close to the anniversary of the July 4, 1976 Israeli hostage rescue in Uganda, in which his brother died.

– ‘Great personal consequence’ -Israel’s dealings with Africa currently constitutes only two percent of its foreign trade, leaving plenty of room for growth.

Demand is rising for its defence expertise and products.

But it also sees African countries as potential allies, particularly at the United Nations and other international bodies, where it is regularly condemned over its occupation of the West Bank and blockade of the Gaza Strip.