Herzog visits Congo, Zambia to deepen Israel-Africa ties

Isaac Herzog’s stop in Zambia marked the first visit ever by an Israeli president to the southern African nation.

By World Israel News Staff

Israeli President Isaac Herzog was warmly welcomed by the leaders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia this week, marking a whirlwind visit to central Africa aimed at strengthening Jerusalem’s ties with the continent.

Herzog landed in Zambia on Monday, the first-ever visit by an Israeli president to the southern African nation, where he was greeted on the tarmac by traditional dancers before meeting with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema.

During their meeting, Herzog emphasized that “there is nothing [Israel] wants more than peace with our Palestinian neighbors,” according to a summary of his remarks published by his office.

In a post on his official X account, Herzog thanked Zambia for its “deep friendship and their solidarity with the people of Israel.”

He added that Israel and Zambia share a strong and friendly relationship “reflected in cooperation across many fields including innovation, science, health, food security, and water management, as well as tourism, investments, and advancing potential trade.”

On Tuesday, Herzog met with President Félix Tshisekedi at the Congolese presidential palace, where he also met with other senior diplomats.

In remarks released by his office, Herzog noted that his father, Chaim Herzog — who also served as president of Israel — made a historic visit to Congo some 40 years ago.

Herzog reiterated that Jerusalem remains committed to maintaining and expanding its ties with African nations, even as some countries, including South Africa, have expressed growing hostility toward the Jewish state.

“Africa has been so important to the Jewish people for generations, and there is no reason for African nations to push us aside,” Herzog said, expressing Israel’s “deep gratitude” for Congo’s support within the African Union.

“There are also other major humanitarian crises in Africa, such as in Sudan,” he added, “and I hope that the eyes of the world will turn there, rather than focusing obsessively on Israel.”