Israel on blitz to win over African friends

The recent whirlwind tour of some African countries by Israel President Isaac Herzog is part of Tel Aviv's charm offensive to win them over and demonstrate to South Africa it has close allies in Africa.

- Eric Mthobeli Naki

Israel is also eyeing the Democratic Republic of the Congo's mineral resources that could boost its strategic assets, said independent political analyst Goodenough Mashego.

Both DRC's and Zambia's minerals are important for Israel to obtain in exchange for aid, including technology and military assistance to the African nations, a view shared by an expert on African affairs, Sipho Mantula.

He said minerals were part of Tel Aviv's agenda in Africa, in addition to building diplomatic relations.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, through Herzog, was showing Pretoria that South Africa's effort to have Israel isolated through its genocide case at the International Court of Justice was not the end of the road for Israel, Mashego said.

Israel is embarking on the campaign to show its support has increased on the African continent, despite countries joining SA's court case, he said.