Several countries, primarily in the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Asia, do not formally recognize Israel as a sovereign state. This lack of recognition often stems from geopolitical, historical, and ideological factors, particularly related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Below is a comprehensive list of countries that, as of the latest available data, do not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel or explicitly refuse to recognize it as a state. The list is organized by region for clarity.
Middle East
- Iran: Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran has not recognized Israel, viewing it as an illegitimate entity. The country supports Palestinian causes and groups opposing Israel.
- Iraq: Iraq does not recognize Israel and has maintained a consistent stance against diplomatic relations, largely due to solidarity with the Palestinian cause and regional politics.
- Lebanon: Lebanon does not recognize Israel, primarily due to ongoing border disputes, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the influence of Hezbollah, a powerful anti-Israel group.
- Syria: Syria has never recognized Israel, with tensions rooted in the occupation of the Golan Heights and broader Arab-Israeli conflicts.
- Yemen: Yemen does not recognize Israel, aligning with its support for the Palestinian cause and regional anti-Israel sentiment.
- Saudi Arabia: While Saudi Arabia has engaged in indirect talks with Israel, it has not formally recognized the state, citing unresolved Palestinian issues.
- Kuwait: Kuwait does not recognize Israel, maintaining a stance of solidarity with Palestine and adhering to the Arab League’s historical position.
- Qatar: Qatar does not formally recognize Israel, though it has engaged in limited, pragmatic interactions for humanitarian or mediation purposes.
- Oman: Oman has not established formal diplomatic ties with Israel, despite occasional cooperative gestures in regional diplomacy.
North Africa
- Algeria: Algeria does not recognize Israel, driven by its strong support for Palestinian statehood and historical alignment with Arab nationalist movements.
- Libya: Libya has consistently refused to recognize Israel, maintaining a policy rooted in solidarity with Palestine and opposition to Israeli policies.
- Tunisia: Tunisia does not recognize Israel, though its stance has occasionally softened in diplomatic contexts, without formal recognition.
Sub-Saharan Africa
- Mali: Mali does not recognize Israel, influenced by its alignment with non-aligned and pro-Palestinian movements.
- Niger: Niger does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel, reflecting its historical stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- Somalia: Somalia does not recognize Israel, consistent with its broader alignment with Arab and Muslim-majority countries.
- Comoros: The Comoros, a member of the Arab League, does not recognize Israel, in line with its pro-Palestinian stance.
- Djibouti: Djibouti does not recognize Israel, adhering to solidarity with Palestine and Arab League policies.
Asia
- Afghanistan: Afghanistan does not recognize Israel, influenced by its geopolitical alignment and religious solidarity with Muslim-majority nations.
- Bangladesh: Bangladesh does not recognize Israel, citing support for Palestinian self-determination and opposition to Israeli policies.
- Brunei: Brunei, a Muslim-majority nation, does not recognize Israel, consistent with its stance on the Palestinian issue.
- Indonesia: Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, does not recognize Israel, prioritizing support for Palestinian statehood.
- Malaysia: Malaysia does not recognize Israel and actively supports Palestinian causes, maintaining a firm anti-recognition policy.
- Pakistan: Pakistan does not recognize Israel, driven by solidarity with Palestine and its role in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
- North Korea: North Korea does not recognize Israel, aligning with anti-Western and anti-imperialist ideologies.
Other Regions
- Cuba: Cuba does not recognize Israel, maintaining a historical stance of solidarity with Palestine and opposition to Israeli policies.
- Venezuela: Venezuela cut diplomatic ties with Israel in 2009 and does not recognize it, citing support for Palestinian rights.
This list reflects the current status of non-recognition based on available geopolitical data. Some countries may engage in informal or indirect interactions with Israel, but formal diplomatic recognition remains absent.
