(July 8, 2025 / JNS) Six African countries have established pro-Israel parliamentary groups, strengthening diplomatic, economic and faith-based ties with the Jewish state amid regional geopolitical realignments.

The move, which was announced on Monday, two weeks after the Israel-Iran war ended with a ceasefire, was the latest in a growing diplomatic tug-of-war between supporters and opponents of the Jewish state in Africa. While South Africa has emerged as one of the fiercest critics of Israel worldwide, other African countries have pushed back and are now further strengthening ties rooted in a mix of shared interests and faith.

“Israel sees Africa as a strategic and values-based partner, and we continue to deepen our cooperation through initiatives in agriculture, healthcare and employment,” Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel, who has led the government’s outreach to Africa, told JNS in a statement welcoming the move. “These growing ties reflect our shared values of liberty, innovation and faith.”