Algerian officials are warning Tunisia would be the next state to normalize ties with Israel leaving pro-Iran Algeria encircled in the region. Autocratic president Kais Saied sent his foreign minister right after to Algeria in a visit that commentators see as a Tunisian attempt to explain normalization quest to Algerian partners. Edy Kohen had said, in an interview a few months ago with Anouar Malek, that Tunisia was among Arab states that are interested in having normal ties with Tel Aviv. Tunisia under President Saied has often been described to be an Algerian proxy as it has sided with Algeria’s foreign policy stands, going as far as offering a state reception to the head of separatist Polisario front. Former Tunisian ambassador Ilias Kesri was the latest voice to call for a recalibrating of Tunisian foreign policy in the region by mending ties with Morocco and maintaining a neutral stance.

Source: The North Africa Journal August 21, 2023 13:49 UTC