Israel ‘s Goals in Africa and Parts of Asia; Analyzing Its Strategic Greed

Israel’s foreign policy in Africa and parts of Asia reflects a strategic approach that intertwines security, economic interests, and political maneuvering. For this reason, it has increasingly focused on building relationships with countries that possess unique geopolitical advantages, such as Azerbaijan’s energy resources and Ethiopia’s strategic location near critical maritime routes. These partnerships are deeply rooted in Israel’s historical context and its ongoing quest for expansion amidst imaginary threats from neighboring countries.

The article examines Israel’s objectives in these regions, examining how its military and economic collaborations serve to bolster its influence while addressing its own expansionist goals. For instance, Israel’s military support to Azerbaijan and Ethiopia is based on mutual assistance but often aligns with its broader strategy of countering Iranian influence. Similarly, Israel’s association in Sudan and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq highlights its object to take advantage of the regional conflicts and divisions to establish a foothold in these areas. This article delves deeper into Israel’s goals in Africa and parts of Asia, analyzing its interactions with governments and institutions. By examining regional and global developments, this analysis offers a clearer understanding of Israel’s policies and sheds light on the true nature and intentions of this regime.

What Factors Influence Israel’s Goals in Africa and Parts of Asia?

Israel’s goals in Africa and parts of Asia reflect a complex and multifaceted strategy aimed at advancing its global security, economic, and political interests. In recent years, Israel has expanded its relations with specific countries such as Azerbaijan, Ethiopia, Sudan, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Egypt, and Myanmar, leveraging their unique geographical and geopolitical characteristics.

Israel’s relationship with Azerbaijan holds particular importance due to the country’s strategic location in the Caucasus region and its access to energy resources. These ties extend beyond economics into military and security cooperation. Similarly, Ethiopia, a strategic country in the Horn of Africa, has cultivated close ties with Israel. Ethiopia’s proximity to critical maritime corridors like the Red Sea has made it one of Israel’s key partners. Sudan, with its distinct geopolitical attributes, also plays a significant role in Israel’s doctrine. Efforts to establish ties with Sudan exemplify Israel’s broader strategy to penetrate Africa and strengthen military and economic collaborations. Egypt, as Israel’s southern neighbor and one of the most influential countries in the Arab world, remains a focal point for Israel’s efforts to ensure its security and stability.

In Myanmar and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Israel is pursuing its influence through military and economic cooperation. The presence of natural resources and ongoing ethnic and political conflicts in these areas provide Israel with opportunities to play a more significant role on the international stage.

Israel’s Doctrine in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is a vital and strategic country in the South Caucasus region, recognized as one of Israel’s key partners. Diplomatic and official relations between Israel and Azerbaijan began after Azerbaijan’s independence from the Soviet Union and have gradually expanded. Examining these relations, particularly in the context of Israel’s goals in Africa and parts of Asia, holds significant importance.

Azerbaijan’s geographical location plays a crucial role in Israel’s goals in Africa and parts of Asia. Israel typically seeks to establish relations with nations possessing strategic geographic positions and abundant energy resources. This approach allows Israel to access these resources and leverage the geographic advantages of these nations under the pretext of strengthening their capacities and sharing its expertise across various fields.

Azerbaijan’s geopolitical position is particularly significant for Israel. It enables Israel to use Azerbaijan as a base to extend its influence in the Caucasus and Central Asia, indirectly impacting regional dynamics. Additionally, enhancing security against threats from Iran—considered Israel’s primary and most formidable adversary—is a key driver of Israel’s presence in Azerbaijan. By maintaining a presence there, Israel can closely monitor Iranian activities, manage potential threats, and curb Iran’s economic and political influence.

Azerbaijan is a major oil and gas producer in the Caucasus region, connected to Europe and Central Asia through various pipelines, such as the “Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline” and the “Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline” (TANAP). Strengthening ties with Azerbaijan helps Israel secure its energy needs and bolster its energy security. Currently, Azerbaijan is one of Israel’s primary energy suppliers, providing around 40% of Israel’s oil needs.

Economic cooperation between Israel and Azerbaijan extends beyond the energy sector, encompassing areas such as agriculture, information technology, and cybersecurity. Israel has implemented various projects in Azerbaijan, including drip irrigation systems and smart agricultural villages modeled after the Israeli “Moshav” concept. While these projects appear to focus on technological and developmental collaboration aimed at improving agricultural productivity and optimizing water resources in Azerbaijan, they reveal a deeper reality. These initiatives serve as a cover for Israel’s security and political agendas, with the ultimate goal of expanding its influence and presence in the region.

One of the central pillars of Israel’s goals in Africa and parts of Asia is fostering military and security cooperation to achieve its broader interests. By supplying arms and military equipment to these nations, Israel seeks to establish bases and cultivate new alliances in key regions.

Israel is one of Azerbaijan’s primary suppliers of weapons, advanced military technology, air defense systems, and drones. According to reports from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, approximately 69% of Azerbaijan’s arms imports in recent years have come from Israel. However, does Israel’s arms trade with Azerbaijan merely serve to meet Azerbaijan’s military needs? While Azerbaijan does require these weapons due to its proximity to Iran and Russia and its involvement in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Israel’s ambitions extend much further. Israel’s military presence in Azerbaijan aims to bolster security, expand its regional influence, monitor Iranian activities, and, if necessary, act against Iran.

Israel’s Doctrine in Ethiopia

Ethiopia, as a significant African nation located in the Horn of Africa and near key strategic waterways such as the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, holds significant geostrategic importance, making it a strong incentive for Israel to establish close relations. This partnership forms part of Israel’s goals in Africa and parts of Asia.

Through political, security, military, and economic collaborations, Israel seeks to achieve both its overt and covert goals. While these collaborations are ostensibly framed as mutual exchanges of knowledge and expertise for bilateral growth and development, a deeper analysis of Israel’s goals in Africa and parts of Asia reveals that its primary focus lies in securing its interests and expanding its influence, often at the expense of the host nations.

Ethiopia, with its abundant natural resources and significant agricultural market, is a major producer of coffee, sesame, and grains, fulfilling Israel’s food supply needs. In return, Israel ostensibly provides Ethiopia with advanced agricultural and irrigation technologies. However, these technologies often serve as sophisticated tools for Israel’s security and intelligence objectives.

Israel’s “Peripheral Strategy” in place since the 1950s, revolves around the principle of breaking free from the geographic isolation imposed by the encirclement of Muslim and Arab nations. Ethiopia was one of the first countries Israel targeted under this strategy. According to this doctrine, Israel aims to use the territories of other nations to secure its interests and shape public opinion in alignment with its policies.

Ethiopia’s selection as the headquarters of the African Union holds strategic importance for Israel. By lobbying and exerting influence, Israel has secured observer status in the African Union. But can this role be dismissed as mere oversight? Israel’s presence as an observer provides it with an opportunity to sway member nations’ decisions in favor of its policies.

Part of Israel’s goals in Africa and parts of Asia involves symbolic actions to secure its interests. For instance, Israel has undertaken operations such as “Operation Moses” and “Operation Solomon” [1] to transport a large number of Ethiopian Jews, known as “Falashas,” to the occupied territories with many promises of a better life. However, contrary to these initial promises, the Falashas have faced severe discrimination and deprivation of citizenship rights in Israel. Even this transfer was primarily part of Israel’s demographic strategy to compensate for its population deficiencies.

Another key motive for Israel’s presence and cooperation with Ethiopia is related to water resources. Around 85% of the Nile River’s sources originate in Ethiopia. Israel views this as an opportunity to secure its water needs, exert pressure on Nile-dependent countries through Ethiopia, and advance its “From the Nile to the Euphrates” slogan. Analyzing Israel’s goals in Africa and parts of Asia, including Ethiopia, reveals that these relationships are primarily driven by colonial ambitions and the pursuit of greater influence and security.

Israel’s Doctrine in Sudan

Israel’s goals in Africa and parts of Asia are tailored to the unique characteristics of each nation. Sudan, due to its geopolitical significance and distinctive features, has been a primary target of Israel’s strategies in the region, with numerous efforts to establish ties.

Before its division in 2011, Sudan was the largest country in Africa and the Arab world. The fingerprints of Israel are evident in this partition. By aligning with opposition groups against Sudan’s central government, Israel created an environment of chaos and instability, ultimately leading to the country’s division.

Israel’s goals in Africa and parts of Asia are rooted in strategies developed by David Ben-Gurion during the 1950s. Viewing Islamic countries as a serious threat to Israel’s existence and security, Ben-Gurion identified African nations as a counterbalance to these adversaries. By exploiting the weaknesses and internal conflicts in Sudan and other African territories, Israel has successfully implemented its policies in the region.

Israel played a significant role in fostering unrest and instability in Sudan by supporting dissident groups, including Christians and South Sudanese natives. This ultimately weakened Sudan’s central government and led to the country’s division. Israel’s military assistance to these groups paved the way for establishing diplomatic and economic ties with South Sudan.

Israel was among the first nations to officially recognize the secession of Sudan and the formation of South Sudan. One of the key motives behind this move was to garner more allies in international forums. By taking the initiative in such actions, Israel not only expanded its influence but also sought to sever Sudan’s cooperation with nations like Iran and other members of the Resistance Axis.

Before the secession, Sudan’s central government had an Islamist orientation and supported the Resistance Front. However, after the secession, Sudan became one of the first countries to join the “Abraham Accords” in 2020. These accords, aimed at normalizing relations between Arab countries and Israel, facilitated Israel’s increased engagement with Muslim countries like Sudan. Israel’s efforts to diminish Islamist influence in Sudan and the region have been strategic. Sudan’s association with the Resistance Axis posed a constant threat to Israel. With Sudan’s reduced dependence on this axis and its pivot toward agreements with Israel, regional threats against Israel have somewhat diminished.

Given Sudan’s fragile economy, Israel has leveraged investment in economic and infrastructure projects, such as those in agriculture, water, and energy, to enhance its influence in the country. The abundant energy resources and oil reserves in South Sudan are among the key reasons for Israel’s focus on Sudan as a potential energy supplier.

Israel’s Doctrine in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Israel has consistently sought to expand its relationships with various countries in West Asia, and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq is one of the key areas of interest. Due to its geographical location, abundant oil resources, and ethnic divisions with neighboring countries, this region holds a prominent place in Israel’s global strategy. Israel’s cooperation with the Kurdistan Region dates back to the 1950s and has continued in the realms of security, military, intelligence, and economic partnerships.

As part of Israel’s goals in Africa and parts of Asia, collaborating with minority groups like the Kurds has been a fundamental strategy to counter hostility from Arab nations. Given this historical animosity, Israel has sought to utilize groups such as the Kurds—ethnically and politically distinct from Arab states—as strategic allies. Over the years, Israel, particularly through Mossad (Israel’s intelligence and special operations agency), has established connections with the Kurds. Mossad’s presence in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq has predominantly involved security and military collaborations, including intelligence sharing, training Kurdish forces, and supplying weapons to Kurdish Peshmerga forces. Israel consistently exploits ethnic and cultural divides between the Kurds and Arab countries to advance its objectives.

One significant aspect of Israel’s goals in Africa and parts of Asia is its encouragement of the fragmentation of powerful regional states. Israel has repeatedly supported Kurdish independence and the establishment of a Kurdish state. From Israel’s perspective, the creation of a Kurdish state in northern Iraq could weaken Iraq, a traditional adversary, disrupt the Arab coalition against Israel, and serve as a strategic base for Israeli influence near western Iran.

The Kurdistan Region of Iraq, located at the borders of Iran, Turkey, and Iraq, is a key area for Israel’s political and military ambitions in the region. Israel leverages this location to monitor Iran’s military and political activities. Additionally, intelligence ties with the Kurdistan Region assist Israel in tracking the activities of resistance forces in Iraq.

Another strategic reason for Israel’s strengthened relations with the Kurds is securing oil resources. Through investments in the Kurdistan Region’s oil industry, Israel meets part of its energy needs. By gaining access to pipelines and export routes from the Kurdistan Region, Israel aims to strengthen its position in the energy market of the region.

The Kurdistan Region of Iraq, with its unique geographical location, rich oil reserves, and ethnic and political differences with neighboring countries, holds a special place in Israel’s goals in Africa and parts of Asia. Through security, military, and economic relations in this region, Israel pursues its long-term goals and seeks to use the Kurdistan Region as leverage against its regional adversaries.

Israel’s Doctrine in Egypt

Egypt has always held a prominent position in Israel’s security and regional policies due to its strategic geographic location, shared border with Israel, and influence in the Arab world. A key element of Israel’s goals in Africa and parts of Asia is Egypt’s vital role in ensuring Israel’s security.

To secure its southern borders, Israel has strengthened its ties with Egypt to control threats and activities from Palestinian and Lebanese resistance groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah. Egypt, as Israel’s southern neighbor, plays a critical role in border control and preventing the movement of individuals and weapons. Israel expects Egypt to maintain strict oversight of the Rafah border crossing to block arms transfers to Gaza and the movement of Hamas operatives.

The Rafah crossing, a shared border point between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, is one of the most critical links impacting Israel’s security. This crossing is not only essential for the transport of humanitarian aid to Gaza but also poses a potential route for smuggling weapons to resistance groups. Due to security concerns, Israel closely monitors activities at Rafah and leverages Egypt as a channel to exert economic and military pressure on Palestinian factions.

Another significant reason for Israel’s relationship with Egypt is the control of the Suez Canal. As one of the world’s most vital trade and oil routes, the canal plays a key role in the economic and security policies of both nations. Israel aims to exploit this route to facilitate the transfer of goods and oil and strengthen its connections with Arab and European countries. Egypt’s control over the Suez Canal enables Israel to optimize its regional trade and energy supply strategies.

Israel leverages Egypt’s economic capacities to advance its objectives in areas such as energy and water resources. Agreements between the two nations on energy trade and water resource management have bolstered economic cooperation.

Beyond security and economic considerations, Israel also seeks to exploit its relationship with Egypt politically. Since the Camp David Accords [2], Egypt has played a central role as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Using its ties with both sides, Egypt works to de-escalate tensions and facilitate peace negotiations. Egypt’s mediation efforts in achieving temporary ceasefires and limited agreements highlight its strategic importance in the region.

Countering the Palestinian Resistance Front and other resistance groups while reducing their influence is a critical element of Israel’s regional and security strategy. Strengthening ties with Egypt is essential for achieving this goal, as Egypt serves as a strategic buffer and a credible regional mediator.

Israel’s Doctrine in Myanmar

Myanmar, a vast country in Southeast Asia, shares borders with major powers such as India and China. It gained independence from British rule at the same time as the establishment of Israel and recognized Israel as a state in 1949.

Israel’s goals in Africa and parts of Asia are designed to exploit opportunities in these nations to meet its needs, secure its interests, and expand its influence. Myanmar, governed by a military administration, provides Israel with opportunities for engagement across various sectors. The military’s need for advanced equipment, weapons, and training has paved the way for Israel to establish a foothold in the country.

Israel has played a significant role in military and security sectors, offering various services and goods to its allies. Myanmar is one of the primary markets for Israeli arms and military equipment. Beyond these transactions, Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, has been actively involved in training Myanmar’s military forces. The introduction of military equipment into Myanmar has also provided opportunities for Israeli espionage activities.

Through its arms supplies, Israel has been complicit in the Myanmar government’s atrocities, including the genocide against Rohingya Muslims. While much of the world has condemned this genocide, Israel has remained silent, exposing its true nature and priorities—where its interests consistently outweigh moral and humanitarian values. The ongoing massacres and war crimes in Gaza further confirm this reality.

In exchange for its military services and supplies, Israel procures essential consumables, such as rice, from Myanmar. These exchanges are part of bilateral agreements that extend beyond goods and services to include educational collaborations. In recent years, a treaty between Israel and Myanmar was signed, allowing both nations to supervise the history textbooks used in each other’s schools. This agreement has given Israel a rare opportunity to shape historical narratives to its advantage, much like its ongoing efforts regarding the Holocaust.

Strengthening ties with Myanmar provides Israel with a strategic foothold to expand its influence in Southeast Asia—a region geographically distant but politically and economically significant. Such influence offers access to Southeast Asian markets and an opportunity to counter China’s growing presence in the region.

Israel’s goals in Africa and parts of Asia have enabled it to not only fulfill Myanmar’s military needs by supplying arms and providing training but also use these partnerships as tools to bolster its power and regional influence.

This article examined Israel’s goals in Africa and parts of Asia, focusing on its strategies to expand and strengthen relations with developing nations. Key aspects of this doctrine include the development of economic and trade relations, military and security collaborations, and the reinforcement of diplomatic and political positions. Israel tailors its approach based on the specific conditions and characteristics of each country, aiming to secure greater benefits and power while mitigating threats to its existence.

Conclusion

Israel’s goals in Africa and parts of Asia are characterized by a calculated approach to enhance its security and expand its influence. By fostering military and economic collaborations, Israel aims to secure vital resources and counter regional threats, particularly from Iran. The relationships established with nations like Azerbaijan, Ethiopia, Sudan, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Egypt, and Myanmar illustrate a broader doctrine that prioritizes Israel’s interests while often masking underlying political ambitions.

The analysis reveals that Israel’s actions are not merely about bilateral cooperation; they are part of a larger strategy to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes and assert its presence on the global stage. As Israel continues to adapt its foreign policy to the unique characteristics of each nation, the implications for regional stability and international relations remain significant. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for comprehending the nature of Israel’s goals in Africa and parts of Asia, as well as the potential consequences for the countries involved.

References

[1]. Pasachoff, Naomi E. A concise history of the Jewish people. Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield, 2005, p. 331.

[2]. Mattar, Phili. Encyclopedia of the Palestinians. New York, 2005, pp. 106-107.