Israel delegation in Chad to discuss strengthening ties

A senior delegation of Israeli officials travelled to Chad this week to discuss the possibility of renewing diplomatic relations between the two countries, Israeli media reported today.

Chad cut relations with Israel almost 40 years ago following the latter’s occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

In September last year, Dore Gold, then director-general of Israel’s Foreign Ministry, visited the North African country for talks with Chadian officials.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently expressed his government’s hope of bolstering ties with African states with a view to offsetting their longstanding support for the Palestinians at UN institutions.

Last year, the President of Togo, Faure Gnassingbé informed Netanyahu that the African-Israeli Summit scheduled to take place in the capital Lomé had been cancelled following pressure from Arab nations and the Palestinian Authorities.

Read: Israel seeking to establish diplomatic relations with Chad