Mauritania Severs Ties With Israel, Expels Ambassador

The North African nation of Mauritania, one of the few Muslim nations to maintain relations with Israel and the only country in North Africa with full diplomatic relations with Israel, has severed all ties with the Jewish state. It then expelled the Israeli ambassador.

The expulsion of Israel’s ambassador took place last Friday. The staff of the Israeli embassy in the Mauritanian capital was also kicked out of the country. By no small coincidence, Mauritania is about to host Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, whose government remains in a state of war with Israel.

In January, Mauritania recalled its ambassador from Israel during the Jewish state’s incursion into Gaza.

Israel also conducted low-level security activities in Mauritania, which has been fighting the al-Qaida network in North Africa.

David Bedein can be reached at dbedein@israelbehindthenews.com