Israel Shelves Tanzania Embassy Plans as Defense Needs Take Top Priority

By Adonis Byemelwa

Israel’s ambassador to Kenya, Michael Lotem, revealed recently that the Tel Aviv government is shelving plans to establish an embassy in Tanzania’s capital, Dodoma, due to pressing budgetary constraints and evolving geopolitical considerations.

Israel’s defense demands, especially as it contends with ongoing hostilities involving Hamas-led Palestinian militant groups, have made new diplomatic initiatives a secondary priority. According to Lotem, this decision reflects both financial realities and Israel's broader approach to strategic alliances.

“We would like to see more political support from Tanzania,” said Lotem, highlighting that Israel’s diplomatic choices, especially in Africa, are influenced by regional alliances. This sentiment comes in light of recent actions by other African nations, particularly Malawi, whose open support for Israel during the Gaza conflict set it apart from other states.

Malawi not only maintained diplomatic ties but also opened its embassy in Israel this past April, even as other nations distanced themselves. Furthermore, Malawi offered essential manpower support to Israel, deploying experts in response to widespread personnel shortages Israel faces across multiple sectors. Israel, in turn, is considering dispatching its experts in agriculture to Malawi, as a reciprocal gesture of gratitude and commitment to the budding partnership.

The conflict between Israel and Gaza is part of a protracted dispute with deep historical roots. Originating from the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, which saw the displacement of around 200,000 Palestinians to Gaza as refugees, the conflict has since defined regional relations and continues to drive Israel's diplomatic priorities. The most recent escalation has reportedly led to higher casualties in Gaza than in any prior confrontations, amplifying both international and regional scrutiny.

The ambassador’s remarks were made on the sidelines of the inaugural East African Community (EAC) Malaria Stakeholders’ meeting in Arusha, where he discussed the intersections between regional health priorities and international diplomacy. Lotem emphasized that although malaria is nearly eradicated in Israel, the country remains committed to supporting health initiatives in Africa.

“Malaria claims an estimated 600,000 lives each year in Africa alone,” he said. “We’re here simply because we care.” The conference followed a collaborative effort by Israeli researchers and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) to advance malaria prevention, clinical treatment, and the application of new technologies.

Lotem also remarked on the unique geopolitical dynamics in East Africa, where diplomatic support can often shift based on internal and external pressures. He drew a comparison between the regional health collaboration demonstrated at the EAC meeting and the potential for strengthened political alliances.

“Concrete actions will follow,” he stated, underscoring his hope that East Africa will make significant strides in combating malaria and other health threats. Notably, he pointed out that one of the Israeli professors attending the event works at a tropical disease center in Hamburg, Germany, adding that East Africa, as a high-burden region for tropical diseases, should ideally host such facilities.

Despite its strong economic interest in the region, Israel’s diplomatic relationship with Tanzania has had a mixed history. Tanzanian Ambassador to Israel, Alex Kalua, noted on the embassy’s website that a 22-year gap in relations, largely attributable to the Yom Kippur War, only began to close when Israel and Tanzania renewed formal ties in 1995.

Nevertheless, Israel still lacks an independent embassy in Tanzania, relying instead on diplomatic channels in Nairobi. The Nairobi-based Israeli embassy, to which Lotem is assigned, oversees relations with Tanzania, Malawi, Uganda, and Seychelles.

Lotem is a career diplomat with a distinguished 30-year tenure promoting trade and economic ties across Africa. Beginning his diplomatic journey in Swaziland in 1993, he has championed economic cooperation as a fundamental pillar in Israel’s foreign policy across African states. His current focus remains on strengthening trade and financial partnerships, viewing them as vital supports for broader diplomatic relations.

The two-day EAC malaria conference, initiated by Israeli scientists' visit to KEMRI, saw participation from medical doctors and scientists across the East African region, both in person and virtually.

It highlighted the value of shared research and knowledge in tackling regional health crises. The hope is that collaboration will enhance malaria control strategies and lay the groundwork for tackling other pressing public health challenges.