Avraham Neguise’s Ambitious Vision for Strengthening Africa-Israel Ties Amidst Regional Tensions

Avraham Neguise, Israel’s newly appointed ambassador to Ethiopia, is poised to transform Africa-Israel relations with an ambitious vision that aims to strengthen diplomatic ties, boost economic cooperation, and secure Israel’s position within the African Union (AU). As he prepares to present his credentials in early October, Neguise’s mission underscores a pivotal moment in Israel’s foreign policy, particularly in a region where strategic partnerships are increasingly crucial.

With 46 of Africa’s 54 countries maintaining formal diplomatic relations with Israel, Neguise’s primary goal is to expand this network. He brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously championed African-Israeli relations as a Knesset member and founded the Africa-Israel Caucus. His efforts were instrumental in initiatives like Operation Rock of Israel, which facilitated the immigration of over 3,100 Ethiopians to Israel last year.

Then-Member of Knesset Avraham Neguise, May 8, 2017. (Uri Perednik/Creative Commons)

In an exclusive interview with The Media Line, Neguise articulated his vision: “Africa needs Israel, and Israel needs Africa.” He highlighted Israel’s technological prowess in sectors such as agriculture, health, and cyber technology, and contrasted this with Africa’s fertile lands and burgeoning population. “The meeting of Israeli technology with African fertile soil,” he said, “could be key to alleviating hunger and poverty.”

Neguise’s appointment aligns with a broader strategy set in motion by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who made historic visits to Africa between 2016 and 2019. These visits marked a renewed emphasis on strengthening ties with African nations. Now, Neguise aims to leverage these relationships further, particularly through his interactions with the AU, headquartered in Ethiopia.

The AU’s role is significant, as it represents a key arena for diplomatic influence. In July 2021, AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat granted Israel observer status, a move that has faced opposition but remains pivotal. Neguise sees this as an opportunity to build robust connections with African leaders, which could influence Israel’s standing in international forums such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the United Nations.

Neguise also highlighted recent developments, such as South Africa’s case against Israel at the ICJ, accusing it of genocide in Gaza. However, he noted that this does not necessarily reflect the views of all South Africans or other Africans, indicating a complex landscape of regional politics.

During the inaugural Africa-Israel Parliamentary Summit in September 2023, held in Addis Ababa, nearly 30 pro-Israel African lawmakers endorsed a resolution supporting Israel and condemning bias against it. This summit marked a significant step in advancing Israel’s diplomatic and economic objectives in Africa.

Neguise’s plans include expanding Israel’s Mashav program, which focuses on training African students and professionals in fields like artificial intelligence and digital innovation. He believes this will not only enhance Africa’s technological capabilities but also stimulate tourism and deepen cultural connections between the two regions.

Although Neguise has transitioned from advocating for Ethiopian aliyah to focusing on broader diplomatic and economic initiatives, he remains deeply connected to the Ethiopian community. He acknowledged the ongoing desire among Ethiopians to immigrate to Israel, noting that while most eligible Jews have already arrived, there are still over 10,000 Ethiopians hoping to join their families in Israel.

As Neguise embarks on this new chapter, he reflects on his personal journey from Ethiopia to Israel, expressing a commitment to making a lasting impact. “I will be here for three years and plan to work hard to make a difference,” he affirmed.

Neguise’s tenure as ambassador promises to be a dynamic period of growth and collaboration, potentially reshaping Africa-Israel relations and setting a new standard for international diplomacy in the region.

Explosive Breach: Over 1,000 Hezbollah Operatives Injured in Coordinated Pager Attacks

Over 1,000 Hezbollah operatives have been injured across Lebanon after a series of pager explosions rocked the southern region, the Bekaa Valley, and the southern suburbs of Beirut on Tuesday. The blasts, which targeted Hezbollah’s encrypted communication devices, have left hospitals overwhelmed and in desperate need of blood donations, with the Lebanese broadcaster NBN first breaking the alarming news.

According to NBN, Israel is suspected of using advanced technology to remotely detonate these pagers, targeting Hezbollah’s communication network in various locations, including Dahieh. This claim, if verified, represents a significant escalation in the ongoing regional conflict. No fatalities have been reported as of now, but the scale of injuries has triggered an urgent response from medical facilities across Lebanon.

In a dramatic twist, Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, was reportedly injured in one of the pager explosions. The injury to a high-profile diplomat underscores the severity of the situation and adds an international dimension to the unfolding crisis. Al Jazeera corroborated reports of device explosions in the Bekaa region and southern Lebanon, further highlighting the widespread impact of the attacks.

Saudi news outlet Al Hadath has reported over 70 casualties, with Lebanese hospitals urgently calling for blood donations to handle the influx of wounded individuals. A Reuters journalist witnessed ten Hezbollah members suffering from severe injuries in the Dahieh suburb of Beirut, illustrating the gravity of the situation on the ground.

Sky News Arabia provided additional context, noting that the pagers involved were used by Hezbollah for secure, internal communication. The outlet further speculated that Israel might have hacked into Hezbollah’s network to carry out these coordinated attacks. This breach of Hezbollah’s secure communication channels represents a significant intelligence and technological victory for Israel.

In an intriguing development, the Syrian news outlet Voice of the Capital reported a similar explosion involving a Hezbollah-type communication device inside a car in Damascus. While the exact link to the Lebanon attacks remains unclear, this incident raises questions about the broader implications of the technology used and its potential spread across the region.

This extraordinary incident not only disrupts Hezbollah’s operations but also escalates the broader regional tensions, with implications for the delicate balance of power in the Middle East. As investigations continue and the situation develops, the international community watches closely, wary of the potential for further conflict sparked by these dramatic events.

As Yemen’s missiles strike Israel and rhetoric intensifies, the Houthis signal more aggression while Israel remains largely indifferent.

Yemeni rebel leader Abdul-Malik Badruldeen al-Houthi is poised to deliver a fiery speech promising severe retaliation against Israel. This comes on the heels of a dramatic missile attack that struck central Israel, reigniting the volatile dynamic between the Houthis and the Israeli state.

On Sunday, the Houthis once again captured global headlines with a missile that successfully breached Israel’s defenses, hitting a central region and provoking widespread alarm. This attack underscores the Houthis’ commitment to supporting Palestinians, a cause they’ve championed since Hamas’s deadly assault on Israel on October 7.

Following the strike, Houthi Supreme Political Council official Hazam al-Assad took to social media to taunt Israel in Hebrew, proclaiming, “Surprises are coming.” His tweets, punctuated with images of missile launches and Yemeni crowds celebrating the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, hinted at further escalations. “The Yemenis came out in millions to celebrate the Prophet’s birth, and the Israelis will have to stay in safe rooms,” he added, amplifying the threat with an unsettling mix of celebration and menace.

Sky News Arabia reported a senior Houthi official claiming that “a missile launched from Yemen hit Israel after 20 interceptor missiles failed to down it.” While it’s likely that the missile evaded Israel’s Arrow and Iron Dome systems, the actual number of interceptors used was probably much lower.

Lebanese network Al-Mayadeen added fuel to the fire, quoting sources who suggested that the upcoming Houthi announcement would provide chilling details about their operations and future plans. “As long as the attacks in Gaza and the West Bank continue, the Israeli enemy and all residents of Israel should expect the worst,” the sources warned. They hinted that the Houthis are preparing for a prolonged conflict, building military capabilities designed to target beyond Jaffa and threatening further aggression.

Houthi threats have become a regular feature of their public addresses, typically delivered on Thursdays. These speeches often include praise for Iran’s Axis of Resistance, calls for Arab nations to act against Israel, and provocative promises of military action. Since Israel’s airstrike on Hodeidah in July, the Houthis have ramped up their rhetoric, with al-Houthi himself lamenting the geographic and political barriers that prevent them from engaging Israel more directly.

In a speech on September 5, al-Houthi declared, “Since the start of Israeli aggression in Gaza, we’ve wanted to move with hundreds of thousands of our people and directly participate in the ground battles.” Despite expressing a desire for direct confrontation, he acknowledged the obstacles posed by cooperating Arab regimes but vowed continued retaliation.

The Houthis’ aggressive stance is also evident in their military drills and propaganda efforts, including simulated attacks on Israeli targets and extensive marches across Yemen. Recent unconfirmed reports suggest that Yemeni forces might be moving into Syria, potentially signaling a broader regional strategy.

Despite the mounting threats and occasional successful strikes, Israel has largely remained indifferent to the Houthis’ provocations. Discussions about Houthi threats tend to resurface only when they manage a high-profile attack, like the recent missile strike. For now, Israel’s muted response contrasts sharply with the growing intensity of Houthi rhetoric, leaving observers to wonder how long this uneasy silence can hold amid rising regional tensions.

Geopolitical Machinations and Unanswered Questions from Central Israel

U.S. and British officials are sounding alarms over what could be a sinister pact between Russia and Iran, one that could dramatically shift the balance of power in the Middle East. The heart of the controversy? The ominous possibility that Russia, in exchange for Iranian ballistic missiles, has been sharing its nuclear secrets with Tehran. This chilling scenario emerged during high-stakes discussions between President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Washington, as reported by the Guardian and Bloomberg. Their meeting unveiled a troubling convergence of military and nuclear ambitions, with Tehran racing towards its long-desired goal of building a nuclear bomb.

The allegations, if proven true, suggest that Russia, facing international isolation and a bloody conflict in Ukraine, has turned to Iran not only for military support but also to advance Iran’s nuclear ambitions. British sources have voiced grave concerns over this dangerous collaboration, highlighting a possible quid pro quo: Russian nuclear technology for Iranian missiles aimed at Ukrainian targets. This unsettling development could potentially enable Iran to make significant strides towards nuclear weaponization, a move that could destabilize the entire region.

Meanwhile, the situation took a dramatic turn with a missile attack from Yemen that struck central Israel early Sunday, setting off air raid sirens and igniting fears of escalating regional conflict. The missile, originating from Yemen’s Houthi rebels, landed in an open area, triggering a fire but causing no casualties. The attack, however, raises critical questions: Was it a cruise missile, which is notoriously difficult to intercept, or a ballistic missile, which should have been detected and neutralized by Israel’s advanced defense systems?

The mystery deepens as analysts speculate about the missile’s trajectory and the challenges faced by Israel’s defense systems. A cruise missile could have taken an indirect route, complicating detection efforts, while a ballistic missile would have been expected to be intercepted by systems like Arrow 2 or Arrow 3. The failure to intercept might indicate a serious lapse in Israel’s defense capabilities or a strategic oversight in identifying and neutralizing the threat.

The Houthi rebels, known for their aggressive stance against Israel and their recent threats of further retaliation, appear to be escalating their actions in response to past Israeli strikes. This missile attack could be their way of demonstrating continued defiance and capability, a move that has not only heightened regional tensions but also put Israeli defense mechanisms under intense scrutiny.

The implications of these events are profound. If Russia is indeed helping Iran advance its nuclear program while simultaneously arming its regional allies, the geopolitical landscape could shift dramatically. The question remains: will these revelations and the mysterious missile attack trigger a broader confrontation or lead to deeper diplomatic maneuvers? The answers, shrouded in secrecy and speculation, could reshape international relations and security strategies in the coming months.

In this geopolitical drama, one thing is clear: the stakes are rising, and the world is holding its breath as the drama unfolds.

Israeli Prime Minister Vows Continued Military Offensive Amid Rising Domestic Criticism and Escalating Violence

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Israel’s relentless war against Hamas will continue unabated as the conflict reaches its 12th month. Speaking with the fervor of a leader facing mounting pressure, Netanyahu framed the struggle as a battle against a “murderous ideology” spearheaded by Iran’s “axis of evil.”

The latest round of violence underscores the grim reality on the ground. A gunman attacked the Allenby Bridge Crossing, killing three Israeli civilians, before being neutralized by Israeli security forces. In retaliation, an Israeli airstrike in Gaza claimed the lives of five individuals, including women and children. Netanyahu’s response, steeped in Biblical symbolism, included a call to “wield the sword of David” and a rhetorical question drawn from Scripture: “Shall the sword devour forever?”

His dramatic words are a stark reflection of the unyielding stance Israel has maintained throughout the nearly year-long conflict. Yet, they come amid a chorus of domestic discontent. Protests have erupted across Israel, with critics condemning Netanyahu’s handling of the war and his failure to broker a cease-fire or secure the return of hostages. Despite this, Netanyahu assured Israeli leaders that the majority of the populace remains supportive of the war’s objectives: eliminating Hamas, recovering all hostages, and ensuring Gaza never poses a threat to Israel again.

The recent violence has also intensified tensions with Jordan, a critical ally. The Allenby crossing, a vital link for Israelis, Palestinians, and international tourists, was closed following the attack. Jordan, which has seen significant protests against Israeli policies, is investigating the shooting, adding another layer of complexity to the already fraught regional dynamics.

Since the conflict began with Hamas’ surprise attack on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 Israelis and the capture of around 250 hostages, Israel’s retaliatory measures have caused devastating losses in Gaza. The Israeli military reports over 40,000 Palestinian casualties, a figure that includes both militants and civilians, though the exact breakdown remains contested.

Efforts by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt to broker a cease-fire and facilitate hostage negotiations have repeatedly faltered, leaving the situation precarious and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsening. As the war drags on, Netanyahu’s resolve remains steadfast, yet the growing dissent at home and the international community’s scrutiny cast a shadow over the future of this protracted conflict.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has ignited a diplomatic firestorm with his recent call for an Islamic alliance to counter what he deems Israel’s “growing threat of expansionism.” Addressing an audience at an Islamic schools’ association event near Istanbul, Erdogan framed the establishment of such an alliance as the only effective countermeasure to what he describes as Israel’s “arrogance,” “banditry,” and “state terrorism.”

The timing of Erdogan’s declaration is notably charged. His comments followed a controversial incident in which Israeli forces were reported to have killed a Turkish-American woman participating in a protest against settlement expansion in the West Bank. This incident has amplified tensions and provided Erdogan with a platform to rally Islamic nations against Israel.

Erdogan’s rhetoric reflects his broader regional strategy, which includes recent diplomatic overtures to Egypt and Syria. The Turkish leader’s recent hosting of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Ankara—marking their first presidential visit in over a decade—underscores his intent to forge a united front against what he perceives as a regional threat posed by Israel’s actions. His diplomatic maneuvering aims to consolidate support from neighboring states, including Lebanon and Syria, which he argues are also at risk from Israeli expansionism.

In a significant pivot, Turkey’s attempts to mend relations with estranged regional powers like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, along with Erdogan’s open invitation to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, highlight a broader strategy to realign regional alliances. This strategy seems to be driven by a desire to counterbalance Israeli influence and bolster a coalition of Islamic states.

In response to Erdogan’s provocative call, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz delivered a stinging rebuke. Katz accused Erdogan of incitement and spreading dangerous misinformation, labeling his claims as “a dangerous lie” and part of a broader agenda to destabilize the region. Katz vehemently rejected the notion that Israel seeks to conquer neighboring nations, emphasizing that Israel’s military actions are defensive measures against threats from Hamas and Iran’s “axis of evil.”

Katz’s harsh critique reflects the deepening rift between Turkey and Israel, exacerbated by Erdogan’s alignment with factions like Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood, which Israel views as destabilizing forces. Katz’s comments underscore the growing tension between the two nations, each positioning itself as a defender of regional stability in the face of ideological and geopolitical conflicts.

As Erdogan’s call for an Islamic alliance reverberates through the region, it raises critical questions about the future dynamics of Middle Eastern geopolitics. Will Erdogan’s rallying cry galvanize a cohesive Islamic front against Israel, or will it further inflame existing regional divisions? The international community watches closely as this high-stakes diplomatic drama unfolds, with potential implications for peace and stability in the Middle East.

Erdogan’s bold move and the subsequent reactions from Israeli officials encapsulate the intense and often volatile nature of Middle Eastern politics, where alliances shift rapidly and rhetoric can ignite real-world conflicts.

With Hostages’ Lives at Stake and Global Pressure Mounting, Can Peace Be Achieved?

The United States has issued an urgent call for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, as the brutal conflict reaches a staggering 11-month mark. The appeal, voiced with uncharacteristic force by State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, is fueled by the harrowing discovery of six hostages, murdered in cold blood by Hamas militants in a Gaza tunnel.

“There are dozens of hostages still waiting for their return,” Miller declared, underscoring the dire situation. “The suffering must end. The people of Israel and Palestine, and indeed the entire world, are out of patience.” His words reflect a global consensus that the protracted violence is no longer tolerable.

The U.S. is rallying international mediators Egypt and Qatar to push for a cease-fire that would not only halt the bloodshed but also secure the release of approximately 100 hostages still in Hamas’s grip. Yet, the road to peace is littered with obstacles, chief among them Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s steadfast demand that Israeli forces maintain control over the Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border. This corridor, Israel claims, is vital to preventing Hamas from smuggling weapons. Egypt and Hamas vehemently deny these allegations.

As Netanyahu digs in his heels, the U.S. has voiced strong opposition to any long-term Israeli military presence in Gaza. The situation is further inflamed by Israel’s recent military actions, including the targeted killing of Ahmed Fozi Wadia, a militant notorious for his role in the October 7 assault and seen in a viral video taunting the victims.

Amidst this turmoil, Netanyahu faces mounting criticism from both international allies and domestic protesters. The British government’s decision to suspend some arms exports to Israel has exacerbated tensions, with Netanyahu’s office condemning it as a misguided move that emboldens Hamas rather than deters it. British officials argue that the suspension is a necessary step to prevent potential violations of international law.

At home, Israeli protesters are demanding an end to the conflict, particularly after the tragic death of the hostages. Netanyahu’s refusal to agree to a cease-fire deal that includes a full military withdrawal from Gaza is seen as a major stumbling block. This stance is driven by fears that Hamas could rearm and pose an even greater threat to Israel’s long-term security.

The U.S. administration, led by President Joe Biden, has taken a hardline stance against Netanyahu’s handling of the situation. Biden, fresh from a vacation, expressed frustration, stating flatly that Netanyahu’s efforts to free the hostages are insufficient. “It’s time for decisive action,” Biden asserted, reflecting the growing impatience of the international community.

With nearly 1,200 Israelis killed and around 41,000 Palestinians dead, the toll of the conflict is staggering. The fighting has devastated Gaza, with casualties overwhelmingly civilian. The U.S. is pushing for a resolution that addresses not just the immediate crisis but the broader humanitarian disaster that has unfolded.

As the world watches with bated breath, the question remains: can a cease-fire be achieved, or will the cycle of violence continue? The answer could redefine the future of the region and impact global diplomacy in unprecedented ways.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing mounting domestic and international pressure to negotiate a cease-fire with Hamas amid ongoing conflict and significant loss of life. The discovery of six slain hostages in southern Gaza has intensified calls for a resolution, highlighting the deep divisions within Israeli society and the complex dynamics of the negotiations.

Netanyahu has firmly resisted calls to soften his stance, insisting on maintaining control over the Philadelphi Corridor, a critical area on the Gaza-Egypt border that Israel argues is essential for preventing arms smuggling by Hamas. This corridor has become a significant point of contention, with Israel asserting that Hamas uses it for illicit activities, while Egypt and Hamas deny these claims.

The Israeli public’s frustration has manifested in widespread protests. On Sunday, hundreds of thousands of Israelis took to the streets to mourn the slain hostages. The sentiment was further reflected in a general workers’ strike that disrupted key sectors including banks, public transit, and airports. This strike aimed to pressure the Israeli government into reaching a cease-fire, though it was cut short after eight hours due to a court ruling.

Netanyahu’s handling of the situation has drawn criticism both domestically and internationally. U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed dissatisfaction with Netanyahu’s approach, emphasizing that more should be done to secure the release of the remaining hostages. Biden’s remarks underscore the strained relations between the Israeli and U.S. administrations, particularly concerning the cease-fire negotiations and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The U.S. administration, alongside other international actors, has been pushing for a comprehensive resolution that includes a cease-fire, withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the release of Palestinian prisoners. Hamas has adhered to a three-phase plan proposed by the Biden administration, but the negotiations have been complicated by Netanyahu’s insistence on additional demands and security concerns.

The situation is further complicated by the geopolitical context. Netanyahu’s refusal to agree to a cease-fire that involves an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza reflects his concern about the potential for Hamas to rearm and resume hostilities. Hamas, meanwhile, has accused Israel of prolonging negotiations through new demands, including maintaining control over additional strategic areas in Gaza.

In the wake of the discovery of the slain hostages, there has been a national outpouring of grief and anger, with prominent figures including President Isaac Herzog and Vice President Kamala Harris expressing condolences and solidarity with the victims’ families. The hostages were reportedly executed just as Israeli forces were closing in on their location, adding to the urgency and gravity of the situation.

The conflict has already resulted in substantial casualties, with the Israeli military reporting nearly 41,000 Palestinian deaths, including many civilians. This high death toll underscores the severe humanitarian impact of the ongoing hostilities, which have continued despite various international efforts to mediate a resolution.

The ongoing deadlock and the complex interplay of domestic pressures, international diplomacy, and strategic calculations suggest that finding a resolution will remain challenging. The differing priorities and demands of the involved parties highlight the difficulty of achieving a cease-fire that addresses both the immediate humanitarian needs and the long-term security concerns.