Israel officially reopened its embassy in Zambia on Wednesday, marking the end of more than five decades without a permanent diplomatic presence in the southern African nation. The announcement was reported by Israeli media, with the mission inaugurated in Lusaka by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, alongside Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe.
“This is the beginning of a new chapter between the countries,” Saar said during the inauguration ceremony.
As part of the event, the two ministers signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation. The agreement covers areas such as agriculture, health, and broader development projects. Saar also shared on X, formerly Twitter: “We signed a memorandum of understanding on bilateral consultations and are enhancing our partnership in agriculture, health, and many other areas.”
Israel had previously operated an embassy in Zambia during the 1960s and 1970s, but closed it amid a broader downsizing of its African diplomatic missions at the time. The reopening of the mission, according to Israel’s Foreign Ministry, is part of a wider strategy to deepen ties with African nations.
Saar’s visit reflects Tel Aviv’s renewed diplomatic push across Africa, underscored by development projects, trade initiatives, and closer political ties. However, Israel’s outreach comes against the backdrop of strong criticism from several African countries over its conduct in Gaza.
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In February 2024, Israel was expelled from the African Union and stripped of its observer status following mounting tensions, particularly over its representation at AU meetings. Countries such as Algeria and South Africa remain vocal critics, condemning what they describe as Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza.
Since October 2023, the Israeli military campaign in the enclave has killed at least 62,122 Palestinians and injured more than 156,700, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. In November, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. In parallel, Israel faces an ongoing genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The reopening of the embassy in Lusaka underscores Israel’s determination to expand its influence in Africa, even as it confronts mounting international legal and diplomatic challenges.
