Algeria-Israel Maritime Trade Sparks Controversy, Exposes Hypocrisy in Anti-Normalization Stance (VIDEO)

Bejaia to Ashdod – On April 20, 2025, a cargo vessel sailed directly from Bejaia Port in Algeria to Ashdod Port in Israel, igniting a firestorm of controversy and exposing a stark contradiction between Algeria’s public anti-normalization stance and its growing economic ties with Israel. This maritime connection, far from an isolated incident, highlights a broader pattern of pragmatic trade that challenges Algeria’s long-standing ideological position, raising questions about its regional influence and future diplomatic trajectory.

The Bejaia-Ashdod Shipping Route

The journey of a cargo vessel from Bejaia Port, a major commercial hub in Algeria, to Ashdod Port, a critical maritime gateway for Israel, was reported by Fesnews Media on April 22, 2025, as a “resounding scandal.” Bejaia Port, known for its high activity levels with average waiting times of 1.33 days, and Ashdod Port, handling 98-99% of Israel’s maritime trade, are strategic nodes in this controversial trade route. Historical data confirms this connection aligns with established shipping patterns in the Mediterranean, as noted by PortCastelló.

Growing Economic Ties Despite Public Rhetoric

Algeria’s exports to Israel have surged from $9.77 million in 2020 to $32.29 million in 2024, making it the fourth-largest Arab exporter to Israel, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database. The trade primarily involves specialized industrial products like hydrogen, inorganic chemicals, and precious metal compounds, reflecting a strategic economic focus, as reported by Morocco World News. This steady growth, at an annualized rate of 64.1% over five years, starkly contrasts with Algeria’s public opposition to normalization, rooted in its support for Palestinian statehood.

Political Implications and Domestic Backlash

Algeria has historically opposed normalization with Israel, with actions like pushing for Israel’s expulsion from the African Union and condemning its military operations at the UN Security Council in January 2025, per The Washington Institute. However, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s February 2025 statement to L’Opinion, indicating openness to normalization if a Palestinian state is established, signals a potential shift. The Bejaia-Ashdod revelation has sparked domestic outrage, with critics labeling it a “betrayal” of Algeria’s pro-Palestinian stance, and regional rival Morocco accusing Algeria of hypocrisy, as highlighted by Morocco World News.

Regional Dynamics and Pragmatic Interests

Algeria’s dual-track approach—publicly opposing normalization while quietly expanding trade—mirrors strategies of other Muslim-majority countries like Turkey and the UAE, which maintain significant trade with Israel despite political tensions, per The Cradle. The timing of this trade aligns with Algeria’s diminishing influence in the Sahel and efforts to bolster ties with the U.S., amid a 30% tariff increase on Algerian imports by the U.S. in April 2025, as noted by Barlaman Today. This pragmatic shift suggests economic interests are overriding ideological positions in North African-Middle Eastern relations.

Future Scenarios for Algeria-Israel Relations

The Bejaia-Ashdod connection indicates a deliberate policy shift rather than an anomaly. Future scenarios range from continued covert trade to gradual public acknowledgment or even formal normalization, contingent on developments in the Israel-Palestine conflict and regional dynamics like the Abraham Accords, according to The Washington Institute. However, severe public backlash or escalating conflict could prompt Algeria to reverse its economic ties, balancing domestic sentiment with economic pragmatism.

Conclusion

The maritime trade between Algeria and Israel, exemplified by the April 20, 2025, Bejaia-Ashdod journey, reveals a complex interplay of ideology and pragmatism. As Algeria navigates its diminishing regional influence and economic pressures, its growing trade with Israel could reshape its diplomatic stance, impact regional alliances, and challenge its credibility in the Arab world. The future of Algeria-Israel relations remains uncertain, hinging on broader geopolitical shifts and domestic reactions.

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