Israel to Launch Extensive Aid Program for African Countries Amid Criticism
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government plan to combat the recent wave of criticism and condemnation they have faced by unveiling an extensive and comprehensive aid program for African nations at the upcoming 78th Assembly of the United Nations.
Netanyahu will use the assembly as an opportunity to engage in a series of meetings and discussions with African heads of state and government who will be attending the event. Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, has been actively coordinating with African ambassadors and representatives at the UN for this purpose.
The aid program will offer guidance and assistance to African countries in various sectors, including water, agriculture, food, medicine, security, and advanced technology. Israel aims to strengthen its cooperation with over 50 African nations through the implementation of this plan.
Erdan emphasized that the aid program for African countries is a response to the recent allegations of apartheid made against Israel. He believes that providing assistance to African nations contradicts these accusations and serves as a diplomatic, political, and moral move by Israel.
While in New York for the UN assembly, it is likely that Prime Minister Netanyahu will have a brief meeting with President Joe Biden. Though the meeting is expected to be ceremonial, it is anticipated that they will discuss scheduling an official meeting between them at the White House.
Netanyahu’s speech at the assembly is likely to follow his previous patterns. It will include criticism of the United Nations’ inefficiencies in addressing global challenges, a staunch attack on Iran’s nuclear ambitions and support for terrorism, as well as blaming the Palestinian Authority for the lack of progress in negotiations.
Erdan hopes that major powers and countries will strongly condemn Iran in their speeches following an updated report from the International Atomic Energy Agency, which highlighted Iran’s accelerated nuclear weapons development. He believes that a military threat against Iran must be explicitly expressed to deter its nuclearization efforts.
In addition, Erdan intends to initiate a resolution at the assembly to condemn Palestinian Authority President Abu Mazen for his anti-Semitic statement denying the Holocaust.
The opening session of the 78th annual UN assembly will focus on the war in Ukraine, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expected to address the war crimes committed by Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin is unlikely to attend the event.
The assembly will also shed light on various crises and armed conflicts globally, emphasizing the challenges faced by numerous populations. However, practical resolutions to these issues are not anticipated.
Israel’s aid program for African countries seeks to change the narrative surrounding the government and improve diplomatic relations with the international community.