Israel, Chad renew diplomatic relations: Netanyahu

Netanyahu has made great efforts to extend Israeli diplomacy to Africa (AFP/File)

• Chad broke off relations with Israel in 1972
• Chad plays a key role in combatting militant groups in the Sahara

Israel and Chad have renewed diplomatic ties decades after they were ruptured, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Sunday during a visit to the African state.
Netanyahu and Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno have "announced the renewal of diplomatic relations between Chad and Israel", a statement from the Israeli premier's office said.
Ties between Israel and the Muslim majority nation were broken in 1972.