The Israeli-led operation freed 102 of 106 hostages, who had been held for more than a week at the airport, but Netanyahu’s brother was shot dead during the raid.
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Kenya will work to help restore Israel’s observer status in the African Union, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta announced on Tuesday at a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Nairobi.
Netanyahu is the first Israeli prime minister to visit sub-Saharan Africa since 1987.
The Heads of State and Government looked forward to further cooperation between their countries and Israel, both bilaterally and multilaterally, the statement added.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said his government opposes the “indiscriminate use of violence” as well as bigotry. Relations suffered a blow when many African countries severed ties with Israel following the 1973 war between Israel and a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt-known as the Yom Kippur War-but many have since restored relations with the Middle Eastern state. People wait to see Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his landmark visit to Africa that started in Uganda on Monday.
While Netanyahu touts Israeli technology, particularly in the fields of anti-terrorism, desalination and solar energy, he also has a clear diplomatic agenda.
“That’s why I strongly believe it’s critical for us reevaluate our relationship… with the state of Israel given the challenges that in we in the African continent are faced with today”, Kenyatta said.
On his tour traveling with 80 businessmen in order to cultivate trade ties in Africa, Netanyahu will also visit Kenya, Rwanda and Ethiopia; he will address the Ethiopian parliament.
Netanyahu’s trip follows years of efforts to improve ties.
“I learned from my brother that you need two things to defeat the terrorists: clarity and courage”, Netanyahu said.
President Museveni commended Netanyahu for turning the sad commemoration event into a bonding factor between countries in Central Africa and Israel.
Some African countries are keen to obtain Israeli agricultural and water technology, which the country has been promoting, say officials.
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The unit commander, Yoni Netanyahu, who was also Netanyahu’s brother was killed in the assault. Yonatan Netanyahu, the only Israeli commando killed, has become a symbol of bravery in his country. “Many countries are seeking to open their gates to Israel and we will realize this desire for their benefit and for the benefit of the State of Israel”.
