Continued Political Safari Of Normalization Of Israel In Arab: Sudan

Photo illustration (Taylor Brandon / Unsplash)

JAKARTA - The Israeli delegation made a rare visit to Sudan on Wednesday, October 21 to discuss normalizing relations. This was broadcast on Israeli radio when a minister predicted a possible diplomatic breakthrough between the two countries.

Quoting Reuters on Thursday, October 22, Israeli Intelligence Minister Eli Cohen told Israel Channel 13 News that he believes Israel is "very close to normalizing relations with Sudan." Meanwhile, Radio Kan did not provide further details about the discussions held in Khartoum, Sudan. The office of Israeli Prime Minister (PM) Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs declined to comment when asked about prospects for a breakthrough with Sudan.

In addition, the report from Israel Hayoum stated that a formal and public announcement of the normalization of relations between Israel and Sudan is expected in the next few days. This follows an expected phone call between US President Donald Trump and the chairman of the Sudanese Sovereign Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

In a foreign policy developing ahead of his re-nomination, US President Donald Trump's top aides this week are escorting the Israeli delegation to Bahrain and the UAE delegation to Israel. This strengthens Israel's new US-brokered relationship with the Gulf states.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the US had begun the process of removing Sudan from the list of countries sponsoring terrorism. Pompeo was also "diligent" in pushing Sudan to recognize Israel.

Pompeo did not say the abolition of Sudan had anything to do with whether it was a form of agreement to normalize Sudan's relations with Israel. Sudanese sources have so far not indicated that normalization talks have gone far.

Israel's Minister for Regional Cooperation Ofir Akunis said that the US will announce another agreement that builds relations between Israel and any Arab or Muslim country before the US elections. "I have reasonable grounds to believe that the announcement will come before November 3, if you allow me, that's what I understand from my sources," Akunis told Israeli Army Radio.

Accountists say several countries are candidates who will normalize relations with Israel. Accountis however did not name the countries, saying it was "customary" to let the first official word come from the US. But US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman did not point out any diplomatic breakthroughs were coming.

“More countries that are in the Arab League will become normal and at peace with Israel, I believe, that's for sure. How many, in what order, I think everyone should wait and see, "he told a conference organized by the Israeli newspaper Hayom and think tank Kohelet Policy Forum.