Netanyahu’s outreach efforts on the African continent suffered a setback this quarter. On 9/11, the Jerusalem Post reported that the Africa-Israel Summit, which in many ways was the culmination of Netanyahu’s diplomatic campaign, had been indefinitely postponed. The summit’s organizers expected the heads of state from more than 24 countries and representatives from approximately 150 Israeli companies to come together in Lomé, the capital of Togo, on 10/23–27.
The Israeli govt. launched a major diplomatic offensive in Africa this quarter that contrasted starkly with its relative isolation in the international community. In early 7/2016, Netanyahu led a delegation to several sub-Saharan countries—Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and Ethiopia—aimed at improving diplomatic and commercial ties. At the same time, Israel initiated a $13 m. aid package to strengthen economic ties and cooperation with African countries, providing them with training in “domestic security” and health, according to Netanyahu’s office (Al Jazeera, 7/4). Later, Guinea and Israel reestablished (7/20) diplomatic relations, and reports surfaced that Chad was planning to do the same.