Full Breakdown
Democratic Republic of Congo Revives Plan to Move Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem
9/7/2026, 8:59:53 PM
Core Event
On September 3, 2026, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Israel issued a joint declaration confirming that the DRC will pursue relocating its diplomatic mission from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and that Israel will open a resident embassy in Kinshasa. The declaration follows a September 1 meeting in Jerusalem between President Félix Tshisekedi and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. No timetable was provided; both sides said further consultations will determine implementation modalities.
Background & Context
- 1973: Zaire (now DRC) severed relations with Israel amid the Yom Kippur War.
- 1982: Relations were restored, with early interest in a Jerusalem embassy.
- 2023: Tshisekedi and Netanyahu announced a plan for the embassy move and a reciprocal Israeli embassy in Kinshasa.
- 2024-2025: Security cooperation deepened, including Israeli protection details for Tshisekedi and training of Congolese special forces.
The 2026 declaration revives the three-year-old commitment that had remained at the announcement stage.
Key Figures & Groups
- Félix Tshisekedi – President of the DRC.
- Benjamin Netanyahu – Prime Minister of Israel.
- Isaac Herzog – President of Israel.
- Gideon Sa’ar – Israeli Foreign Minister.
Timeline
- September 1, 2026: Tshisekedi meets Netanyahu in Jerusalem.
- September 3, 2026: Joint declaration issued; both governments commit to continued consultations on embassy relocation and reciprocal missions.
- 1973: Initial break in DRC-Israel relations.
- 1982: Restoration of diplomatic ties.
- 2023: First public announcement of the embassy move.
Data & Statistics
The DRC would join a small group of countries with embassies in Jerusalem, currently nine nations including the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Fiji, Paraguay, Papua New Guinea, Kosovo, Somaliland, and Nauru. Israel’s aid to the DRC continues in agriculture, water, health, technology, and security, though no new contracts were announced during the 2026 visit.
Why It Matters
Relocating the DRC embassy to Jerusalem carries diplomatic weight because Jerusalem’s status remains contested. Most nations keep embassies in Tel Aviv to avoid taking a position. The DRC’s move signals alignment with Israel’s claim and may influence other African states, reinforcing Israel’s strategy to expand its diplomatic footprint on the continent.
Official Statements & Responses
- The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the two states will continue exchanges through diplomatic channels to agree on implementation modalities.
- Netanyahu described the visit as strengthening a “great friendship” with Tshisekedi.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The State of Israel and the Democratic Republic of the Congo will continue their exchanges through the appropriate diplomatic channels in order to agree on the modalities for the implementation of these decisions.” — Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- “It is a pleasure welcoming our good friend, the president of the Republic of Congo, in Israel.” — Benjamin Netanyahu
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All cited outlets agree the joint declaration was issued on September 3, 2026, with no timetable announced. Details on the future location of the Israeli embassy in Kinshasa remain unresolved.
