The Centre for Gender and Africa Studies (CGAS) at the University of the Free State (UFS) recently hosted a thought-provoking webinar in its ongoing Africa Dialogue Series, titled Israel-Africa Relations. The session brought together leading experts to unpack the complexities, tensions, and potential opportunities in the evolving relationship between Israel and various African nations.   

The webinar featured Dr Irit Back, Head of the Inter‑University Programme of African Studies at Tel Aviv University; Dr Shiri Fein‑Grossman, CEO of the Israel‑Africa Relations Institute; and Eliyah Maharat, Director of Ta Tarbut Faithlovitch. The discussion was facilitated by Prof Solomon Hussein, Senior Professor at CGAS.

A complicated landscape 

The panelists explored topics such as Israel’s academic engagement with Africa and the broader geopolitical landscape. Dr Back described the current state of Israel-Africa relations as a “very confusing situation”, noting that ties between Israel and many African states have significantly deteriorated since the events of 7 October 2023. 

She observed a growing divide among African countries - between those that support Israel and those that do not – further complicating the diplomatic terrain.  

Dr Fein-Grossman echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the bilateral relationship between Israel and South Africa is currently at its lowest point, especially following South Africa’s legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). 

Breaking the impasse

Despite these challenges, Dr Fein-Grossman emphasised the need to separate the Israeli government from its people, pointing out that “Benjamin Netanyahu went to five consecutive elections with just over fifty percent by coalition. It’s not like he has the majority support of the country.” 

She also criticised the academic boycott of Israeli institutions, calling it “ironic” given that ‘’most academics in Israel are very liberal - and some would even be described as pro-Palestinian - yet they are being boycotted by academia around the world.”

Dr Fein-Grossman stressed the importance of building stronger people-to-people and business-to-business ties. “Governments change. What matters is sustained engagement beyond politics,” she said. 

Israel’s value to Africa

Eliyah Maharat underscored Israel’s potential to add value in key areas such as  innovation, technology, water management, climate resilience, and agriculture. He also pointed to the rich cultural exchanges that already exist between Israel and various African countries – particularly in music – as a foundation to build on.  

Following the main discussion, Prof Hussein opened the floor to participants for a Q&A session. Topics included South Africa’s support for Palestine and Israel’s agricultural contributions to the continent.