Israel could play unlikely mediator role in Sudan violence

Israel could possibly emerge as an unlikely mediator between the warring parties in Sudan as two generals square off in a battle for power in the country. 

Israeli diplomats were communicating with both General Abdul Fattah Al-Burhan, who heads Sudan's army, and Mohamed Hamdan "Hemedti" Dagalo, who controls the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary, an Israeli official told Ynetnews.

The country claims it wants to de-escalate the situation, according to the official.

In October 2020, following extensive pressure from the administration of former US President Donald Trump, Sudan announced that it would normalise ties with Israel. 

The fighting between the Sudanese army and the RSF broke out after months of tension between Al-Burhan and Hemedti. 

More than 100 people have died in the violence over the past three days as the warring sides battle for control of key buildings and infrastructure in Khartoum. 

Both Burhan and Daglo were part of Sudan's ruling Transitional Sovereignty Council (TSC) at the time of the normalisation deal .

In September 2021, the two generals launched a coup against the country's then-prime minister, Abdulla Hamdok, effectively ending any civilian role in power sharing.

Lieutenant General Abdul Rahim Daglo, Hemedti's brother, visited Israel a year ago to advance the relationship between the two sides.  

Israel’s move to mediate the fighting comes as it continues its deadly raids against Palestinian towns and cities in the occupied West Bank. 

At least 100 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the beginning of 2023.