Secret Israeli Ties to Sudanese Militia, Settler Violence Concerns, and Vance's US Political Maneuvers Revealed
A report by Africa Intelligence, published by Middle East Eye, alleges that delegations from Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia made covert visits to Tel Aviv over the past two years, amidst the ongoing civil war in Sudan. According to the report, two delegations visited Israel in May 2025 and February 2026, meeting with officials from the Israeli Foreign Ministry's Africa desk and intelligence representatives. Attendees reportedly included Abd al-Rahim Hamdan Dagalo, brother of RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (known as "Hemedti"), and the organization's legal advisor. These contacts are described as part of an ongoing security and intelligence cooperation predating the April 2023 Sudanese conflict, potentially involving the transfer of surveillance technologies. The report suggests Israel maintained parallel channels, with the Foreign Ministry and Prime Minister's Office engaging the official Sudanese army, while the Mossad handled contacts with Hemedti's militia. This occurs as the RSF faces severe accusations, including a UN independent investigation finding "signs of genocide" in their siege of El Fasher and a Sudanese court sentencing Hemedti in absentia for war crimes.
Separately, a New York Times investigation highlights concerns among former Israeli security and military leaders regarding escalating settler violence in the West Bank. Dozens of retired generals and intelligence chiefs have toured the region, warning that this violence poses a greater existential threat to Israel than external adversaries like Iran or Hezbollah. Retired Major General Eyal Ben-Reuven described settler actions as the "real threat to Israel," while retired Brigadier General Ephraim Sneh termed the events "ethnic cleansing." Retired Brigadier General Assaf Agmon warned that attempts to erase Palestinian presence echo dark historical periods. These tours, organized by former coordinator of government activities in the territories, Yaakov Or, have involved over 250 prominent Israelis. In June, over 200 former senior officials signed a statement demanding the government halt "Jewish terror" and "ethnic cleansing," accusing the Netanyahu government of facilitating this policy through funding illegal outposts. The Prime Minister's Office declined to comment, though Netanyahu previously stated such "criminal acts" harm law-abiding settlements and Israel's global standing. The IDF denied backing violence, asserting its role is to protect all residents.
In US politics, Vice President J.D. Vance, a potential Republican presidential candidate for 2028, addressed the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) leadership summit in Las Vegas. Seeking to assuage concerns within the pro-Israel community, Vance advocated for a pragmatic alliance based on "concrete congruence of interests" between the US and Israel, emphasizing why the relationship serves American interests. Despite the closed-door event, leaked recordings revealed Vance condemning antisemitic conspiracy theories and blood libels, calling hatred of Jews "soul-destroying." The effort appeared successful, with Vance receiving strong applause and standing ovations, contrary to fears of donor backlash. RJC leaders acknowledged Vance's understanding of the community, marking the event as a significant step for his political strategy, which has faced skepticism from the hawkish, pro-Israel wing of the Republican party due to his "America First" stance and past opposition to extensive military involvement.
