Algeria’s Stance on Israel: Between Principle and Political Hypocrisy

Algeria has long maintained a hardline stance against normalizing relations with Israel, positioning itself as one of the few remaining Arab states that refuse to engage with the Jewish state until Palestinian statehood is achieved. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has repeatedly affirmed that normalization is off the table, declaring that Algeria will not recognize Israel until an independent Palestinian state is established. However, a closer examination of Algeria’s geopolitical calculations and its rivalry with Morocco suggests a degree of political hypocrisy in this rigid position.

On multiple occasions, President Tebboune has reiterated Algeria’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause. In statements to the press, he has emphasized that Algeria will never establish ties with Israel unless Palestinian sovereignty is recognized. This position aligns with Algeria’s historical narrative, rooted in its own anti-colonial struggle against France. The Algerian government frequently draws parallels between its fight for independence and the Palestinian struggle, presenting itself as a vanguard of resistance against Western-backed oppression.

Algeria’s foreign policy on Israel also reflects the broader sentiment of its population. Many Algerians, deeply sympathetic to the Palestinian cause, view normalization as a betrayal of Arab solidarity. Given this public sentiment, the government’s rejection of normalization strengthens its domestic legitimacy and reinforces its anti-imperialist credentials.

Despite its rhetoric, Algeria’s position is not as principled as it appears. The country frequently condemns Arab nations that have normalized relations with Israel, such as Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, accusing them of selling out the Palestinian cause. Yet, Algeria maintains diplomatic and economic ties with numerous countries that have strong relationships with Israel, including the United States, France, and China.

Moreover, Algeria has often engaged with Israeli-linked institutions indirectly. For example, it remains an active member of international organizations where Israeli representatives participate. It has also benefited from security and intelligence cooperation with nations that work closely with Israel. If Algeria were truly committed to an uncompromising stance against Israel, it would have to sever ties with virtually every global power—a move it is unwilling to make.

A major factor influencing Algeria’s anti-Israel rhetoric is its long-standing rivalry with Morocco. The two North African nations have been embroiled in a bitter dispute, primarily over Western Sahara. Algeria supports the Polisario Front, which seeks independence for Western Sahara, while Morocco claims sovereignty over the territory. This geopolitical conflict has fueled decades of hostilities, including border closures and military tensions.

Morocco’s decision to normalize relations with Israel in 2020, as part of the Abraham Accords brokered by the United States, further deepened the rift between the two countries. In exchange for normalization, the U.S. recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara—a major diplomatic victory for Rabat. Algeria condemned this move, framing it as a betrayal of the Palestinian cause. However, its outrage was less about Palestine and more about Morocco gaining a strategic advantage in their regional rivalry.

Algeria’s condemnation of Morocco’s normalization efforts is particularly hypocritical given its own willingness to engage with nations that support Israel. Furthermore, reports have emerged suggesting that Algeria has indirectly engaged with Israeli defense and cybersecurity firms through intermediaries. This suggests that Algeria’s anti-Israel stance is more performative than substantive.

While Algeria publicly rejects normalization, geopolitical realities may eventually force a recalibration of its stance. The Arab world is undergoing a significant transformation, with several key players, including Saudi Arabia, exploring ties with Israel. If Algeria finds itself increasingly isolated due to its rigid position, it may have to reconsider its approach.

Additionally, economic pressures could push Algeria towards a more pragmatic policy. The country remains heavily reliant on oil and gas revenues, and as the global energy landscape shifts, Algeria may seek to diversify its diplomatic and economic partnerships. Should the benefits of normalization outweigh the political costs, Algeria could find a way to justify a change in policy while maintaining its rhetorical support for Palestine.

Algeria presents itself as a staunch defender of Palestinian rights, but its position is riddled with contradictions. While it refuses to normalize ties with Israel, it engages with Israeli allies and participates in international forums where Israel has a presence. Moreover, its aggressive stance against Morocco’s normalization reveals that its opposition to Israel is as much about regional rivalry as it is about principle.

Ultimately, Algeria’s approach to Israel is a carefully calculated strategy rather than an unwavering moral stance. As geopolitical dynamics evolve, it remains to be seen whether Algeria will maintain its hardline rhetoric or eventually follow the path of its regional counterparts.