Cameroon–Israel relations
Bilateral relations
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Israel–Cameroon relations are relations between the Republic of Cameroon and the State of Israel.
Cameroon voted against several anti-Israel UN resolutions, and was the only nation to join Israel in voting against the UN resolution "Assistance to Palestine Refugees".[1] Along with Eritrea, Cameroon is one of two African states that does not recognize the State of Palestine.
Cameroon cut ties with Israel from 1973 to 1986[2] and was one of the first states to restore relations.[3] The government of Cameroon uses Israeli armored vehicles,[4] and Cameroon's Rapid Reaction Force, often shortened (by its French name) to BIR, is equipped and trained by Israel.[5][6][7]
Students in Cameroon were granted 11 month visas to travel to Israel and learn about agriculture,[8] while poultry farmers underwent training for poultry production in Israel.[9]
Israelis also trained personnel at six hospitals in Cameroon on how to combat the Ebola virus.[10]
Paul Biya, president of Cameroon since 1982, is seen as one of Israel's closest allies in Africa.[11] Israel provides security for President Biya,[12] while Cameroon offers diplomatic support to Israel. Among other expressions of support, Paul Biya offered his "sincere condolences" to Israel following the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023.[11]