Algeria’s Lobbying Contract with Israel-Linked Firm Raises Eyebrows
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Roshan Amiri
- . September 22, 2024
- . Update: September 24, 2024 4:45 pm
While Algeria’s government strongly supports Palestinians, it shockingly approved an American company closely linked to Israel a lobbying contract. To further Algeria’s interests, Sabri Boukadoum, the ambassador of the country in Washington, inked a deal with the big American lobbying firm BGR Group on September 10. With this contract for $720,000 yearly, the company will manage public relations and lobbying to strengthen bilateral relations between Algeria and the United States.
Contract Algeria agreed upon with BGR Group
Algeria’s choice to retain BGR Group, a bipartisan company started by well-known Reagan administration officials, reflects a diplomatic norm of hiring U.S.-based lobbyists to negotiate Washington’s political terrain. Among the nations abroad Saudi Arabia, India, and Bahrain, BGR Group has represented But Algeria’s strong anti-Israel policy and continuous support of Palestine demand questions about the company’s interactions with Israel.
Between BGR Group and Israel, there are rather significant ties. Among its main consultants is former Israel’s prime minister, Ehud Barak. Among Israel’s most revered fighters, Barak also greatly influences the defense history of the country. His attendance at BGR emphasizes the close relationship between Israeli companies and the venture. By way of the Abraham Accords, BGR Group also significantly helped to normalize relations between Israel and Bahrain, therefore boosting its links to the Israeli government.
Particularly since the Hamas strikes on October 7, 2023, Algeria is a vociferous advocate of the Palestinian cause regularly denouncing Israel’s actions. Algerian officials have underlined once more their support for Hamas alongside the Palestinians. Given Algeria’s long view of Israel as an enemy, this makes the choice to engage with a company connected with Israeli interests all the more unexpected rather than unusual. The company itself had supported Israel by sponsoring emergency services there following the October 7 strikes.
Future Connotations and Contradictory Notes
The Algerian government’s anti-Israel policy and its choice to partner with a company closely connected to the Israeli establishment seem to contradict each other, which calls doubts on their behavior. Against Algeria’s policies, BGR Group’s prior engagement in enhancing ties between Israel and Arabs and continuous backing of Israeli causes stand out as somewhat different.
It would be interesting to see how Algeria balances its local support for Palestine with pragmatic issues of interacting with a company with strong Israeli connections as the lobbying contract unfolds. Although it casts doubt on Algeria’s perspective on Middle Eastern events, the agreement indicates her awareness of the significance of U.S. ties.
