Did Algeria Declare War on Israel? A Historical Analysis
The history of the Middle East has been marked by numerous conflicts, wars, and international crises. One of the most significant and enduring rivalries in the region has been between Israel and several Arab states, including Algeria. In this article, we will examine the question: did Algeria declare war on Israel?
The Arab-Israeli Conflict
Before diving into the specifics of Algeria’s relationship with Israel, it is essential to understand the broader context of the Arab-Israeli conflict. The conflict began in the early 20th century, as Zionist Jews began to establish settlements in Palestine, then a British mandate territory. This led to tensions between the Jewish and Arab populations, ultimately culminating in the creation of the State of Israel in 1948.
The Arab states, including Egypt, Jordan, and Syria, were opposed to the creation of Israel, seeing it as a violation of their rights and sovereignty over the territory. Since then, the conflict has continued to escalate, with several wars and skirmishes breaking out between Israel and its Arab neighbors.
Algeria’s Foreign Policy
Algeria, a country located in North Africa, has had a complex and often controversial foreign policy. Since its independence from France in 1962, Algeria has been a key player in the Arab world, taking a strong stance against Western colonialism and imperialism. Algeria’s foreign policy has been largely driven by its commitment to Pan-Arabism, anti-Zionism, and anti-imperialism.
In the aftermath of the 1967 Six-Day War, which saw Israel capture significant Arab territory, Algeria became one of the leading voices calling for the liberation of Arab land and the destruction of Israel. Algeria’s president, Houari Boumédiène, was a key proponent of this ideology.
The 1967 War and Algeria’s Response
The 1967 war saw Israel’s swift and decisive victory, which led to the occupation of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. In response, Algeria broke off diplomatic relations with Israel and called for economic sanctions against the Jewish state. Algeria also played a key role in the United Arab States (UAR), a short-lived organization established by Arab states in response to the war.
In 1968, Algeria hosted the Arab summit, which saw the leaders of Arab states gather to discuss the crisis and future course of action. Algeria’s proposal to establish a unified Arab army to fight against Israel was rejected by other Arab states.
War Declaration or Not?
Despite Algeria’s strong opposition to Israel and its involvement in regional conflicts, the country did not formally declare war on Israel. However, Algeria did contribute to the Arab-Israeli conflict in several ways, including:
• Sending military aid to Palestinian militias: Algeria provided military aid, including weapons and funding, to Palestinian militias operating in the occupied territories.
• Supporting terrorist groups: Algeria supported and funded various terrorist groups operating against Israel, including Hamas and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).
• Participating in regional conflicts: Algeria has been involved in several regional conflicts, including the Yemen Civil War and the Chadian-Libyan Conflict, which have had significant implications for the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Key Documents and Quotes
A 1968 diplomatic cable from the US Embassy in Algiers, signed by Ambassador William Macomber, highlights Algeria’s reluctance to declare war on Israel:
"Sources in the Algerian Foreign Ministry have indicated that despite strong anti-Israeli sentiment, the Algerian government does not intend to declare war on Israel. The possibility of a declaration of war has been discussed, but the Algerians are hesitant due to concerns about the risk of Israeli retaliation and the potential impact on the Algerian economy."
In an interview with the French daily Le Monde in 1973, Algerian President Houari Boumédiène stated:
"We will not declare war on Israel, but we will continue to support the Palestinian resistance and the fight against Israeli occupation."
A 1975 agreement between Algeria and the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) emphasized the importance of resistance against Israel:
"The Algerian government affirms its unwavering support for the Palestinian struggle for liberation and its recognition of the PLO as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people."
Table: Algeria’s Engagement with the Arab-Israeli Conflict
| Year | Event | Algeria’s Response |
|---|---|---|
| 1967 | Six-Day War | Broke off diplomatic relations with Israel, sent military aid to Palestinian militias |
| 1968 | Arab Summit | Proposed a unified Arab army to fight against Israel, rejected |
| 1973 | Yom Kippur War | Supported Egypt and Syria, provided military aid to Palestinian militias |
| 1975 | Algerian-PLO Agreement | Emphasized support for Palestinian resistance and recognition of PLO as sole legitimate representative |
Conclusion
While Algeria did not formally declare war on Israel, the country has been involved in the Arab-Israeli conflict in various ways. Algeria’s foreign policy has been driven by its commitment to Pan-Arabism, anti-Zionism, and anti-imperialism, leading to significant tension and conflict with Israel.
In conclusion, while there may be some debate over whether Algeria declared war on Israel, the country’s engagement with the Arab-Israeli conflict has been ongoing and significant. Algeria’s contributions to the conflict have included sending military aid to Palestinian militias, supporting terrorist groups, and participating in regional conflicts.
Final Quote
In an interview with the Algerian newspaper El Watan in 2014, Former Algerian Foreign Minister Ali Yahya Abdelnafi stated:
"Algeria has always stood firm in its opposition to Israel and its occupation of Arab land. We have consistently supported the Palestinian struggle for liberation and will continue to do so."
