Netanyahu Scores Diplomatic Breakthrough At West Africa Summit
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By Dave Goldiner June 4, 2017
Benjamin Netanyahu scored a diplomatic breakthrough when he attended a summit of West African states — and held a series of meetings with leaders.
The Israeli premier jetted into Liberia for a historic speech to the gathering of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), chalking up a new success in an effort to woo countries that have been hostile to the Jewish state.
“Israel is coming back to Africa in a big way,” Netanyahu said, trumpeting a series of meetings with leaders, including some with Muslim majorities.
He boasted that Israel was on its way to ending African nations’ knee-jerk support for the Palestinians at the United Nations and other international forums.
Along with diplomatic meetings, Netanyahu signed a raft of agreements designed to expand business and aid cooperation with countries in the region, especially in the field of combating desertificaion.
Netanyahu has spearheaded a push to improve ties with Africa, where some states, especially in East Africa, see the Jewish state as a powerful economic partner and a friend in the battle against radical Islamic groups.
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