Algeria’s government has hired the United States’ lobbying firm named BGR Group through its ambassador in Washington. This hiring is normal for many nations. But BGR has a string of relationships with Israel. So, this step by Algeria’s government goes against its support for Palestine.
Algeria’s foreign minister, Ambassador Sabri Boukadoum, signed a contract on September 10, 2023, for $720,000 a year. According to this agreement, BGR will assist in boosting the relationship between Algeria and the United States. It is registered under US law and needs a foreign agent to express its activities.
Scott Eisner, a former leader of the U.S.-Africa Business Center, will manage this contract. Overall, this decision raises questions about Algeria’s diplomatic position and its willingness to work with a firm linked to Israel while supporting Palestinian rights.
In the US political landscape, lobbying is one of the common parts, but Algiers’ choice of BGR Groups raises questions on the sincerity of this nation with Palestine. BGR was founded in 1991 and is one of the leading lobbying firms in Washington. This company has a huge earning rate. It made $41.7 million and has already earned $21.95 million this year. Furthermore, it claims to have strong ties with both Democrats and Republicans. But its founder linked strongly with the Republican Party.
The developers of this firm, Ed Rogers, and Haley Barbour, both worked in the Reagan administration. Barbour was also the Republican Governor of Mississippi. After Barack Obama was elected in 2008, BGR changed its name to appear more bipartisan. Despite this claim, the firm has worked with various foreign clients, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar. This raises concerns about the influence of money in politics and whether the firm truly represents diverse political views.
BGR and Israel both have strong connections with each other. BGR works for Israel’s advisor Ehud Barak. He was Israel’s prime minister from 1991 to 2001. He has a very impressive military history. In the political landscape of Israel, he also has held many jobs, such as defence ministry. BGR proudly lists his name at the top of the list of experts’ teams.
In July 1999, a brief meeting was held between Barak and Algeria’s president, Abdelaziz Boutifilka at the funeral of a king. During this conversation, Boutifilka had promised to open an embassy in Israel with the condition that the nation agree to recognize the Palestinian state. This meeting highlights that the situation may get better but later nothing happened after their talk.
The lack of follow-up shows the difficulties in Middle Eastern diplomacy, where discussions often do not lead to real changes. Finding solutions remains a complex challenge in this region.
BGR and Israel both have strong connections that go beyond just Barak. Back in 2020, when this US lobbying firm played an important role in improving the relationship between Israel and Bahrain through the Abraham Accords. According to a report, for the services of BGR, Bahrain’s leader, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, paid BGR Group $730,000 in 2023.
After the October 7 attack, Israel got great support from the BGR group. They provide financial help to the region. The BGR group announced a donation to Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s emergency service, to help the victims of the attacks, but did not say how much they donated.
MDA has many branches in different nations, such as France, Belgium, and Canada. It was founded in 1930 with 1,300 employees and 32,000 volunteers.
On September 4, 2024, the day after BGR Group signed a contract with the Algerian ambassador, MDA appointed Gilad Erdan as its new global president. His job is to promote MDA’s medical services and represent the organization around the world.
Algeria’s support for Palestine
In international politics, Erdan is one of the known personalities. Ge represents the Likdue part of Israel. He played many important roles, such as Israel’s ambassador to the UN. At the United Nations, he was vocal after the October 7 attacks. Algeria is a strong supporter of Palestine and sees Israel as an enemy. After the attack, the government of Algeria strongly supported Hamas and Palestine. At the same time, the Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar, congratulated Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on becoming the again leader.
This support highlights the ongoing tension between Algeria and Israel and the broader struggle for Palestinian rights.
