Algeria ready to normalise with Israel amid softening rhetoric

Algeria’s president has said his country would be ready to normalise relations with Israel if Palestinian statehood is achieved, the dramatic change of rhetoric prompting a vicious backlash from opposition.

According to the New Arab on February 3rd, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said this position aligned with his predecessors, who “had no issue with Israel” – their only concern being the establishment of a Palestinian state.

The comments sparked outrage from the largest opposition party, the Islamist-leaning Movement of Society for Peace, who condemned “any settlement or normalisation projects with the Zionist entity,” describing Israel as an “aggressive occupier”.

The New Arab