Israel Takes Sides in Sudan's Brutal Civil War

Israel has for the first time declared its alignment in Sudan's ongoing civil war, a conflict described as the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented a map to reporters detailing Israel's national security concept, identifying the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as allies of Israel and the United Arab Emirates.

The RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, is accused of widespread atrocities, including mass killings, systematic rape, and the murder of non-Arab minorities in Darfur. However, the article notes that the opposing side, Sudan's army, is also implicated in horrific war crimes, such as the use of chemical weapons.

The decision to back the RSF is questioned, especially since Iran supports the Sudanese army, a position also held by Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Israel's close ally, the UAE, which reportedly backed the rebels, is now publicly distancing itself from them. The United States, meanwhile, is striving to remain neutral and pressure both sides toward a peace agreement.

The article raises concerns about whether choosing a side serves Israel's interests, including normalization efforts with other countries, combating Iranian proxies, and whether Israel, already facing numerous challenges, needs to engage in this conflict. The report also references separate articles about the Sudanese army's alleged use of chemical weapons and the concerns of Sudanese living in Israel for their families.