DESPITE having no natural diamond resources of its own, Israel remains one of the world’s largest exporters of polished diamonds, a fact that has drawn international attention and criticism. The country’s booming diamond industry heavily relies on resources sourced from Africa, often from regions mired in violent conflict. These so-called ‘blood diamonds’ have raised serious ethical concerns about the impact of Israel’s involvement in Africa’s diamond trade.
A report from the Kimberley Process, an international effort to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the global market, reveals that six of the ten largest diamond-producing countries are located in Africa. Unfortunately, many of these regions, particularly in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), are still experiencing violent conflicts over control of diamond-rich territories. Israel’s presence in these areas has deepened over the past few decades through strategic investments and partnerships with African governments and military groups, enabling the country’s diamond industry to flourish, according to a report by Turkish state broadcaster TRT World.
Conflict diamonds: a history of blood and exploitation
The term ‘blood diamonds’ refers to gems mined in war-torn regions, with the proceeds often used to fund armed groups and prolong violent conflicts. This practice has been especially prevalent in African countries such as Sierra Leone, Angola, and the DRC, where rebel factions and corrupt officials have historically used diamond profits to finance civil wars.
Habibu Djuma, a researcher at the Africa Coordination and Training Centre (AKEM), explains that minerals, including diamonds, are frequently extracted in conditions of extreme violence. The sale of these conflict diamonds funds insurgent groups and fuels ongoing warfare, leading to widespread suffering in local communities. ‘These minerals are often extracted in conditions of extreme violence, with profits being used to finance armed groups that contribute to prolonged conflict,’ Djuma tells TRT World.
Israel’s role in Africa’s diamond trade
In recent years, Israel has deepened its involvement in Africa’s diamond trade, with Israeli companies allegedly gaining access to these conflict zones by trading military equipment for valuable minerals. Israeli firms, many of which have close ties to the military, are believed to have secured diamonds and other minerals at significantly reduced prices, thanks to these transactions. This has enabled Israel’s diamond industry to grow exponentially, despite the country’s lack of natural resources.
One of the most troubling aspects of Israel’s diamond trade is its alleged complicity in the blood diamond business. In 2009, a UN panel formally accused Israel of illegally importing diamonds from Africa, particularly from conflict zones in the Cote d’Ivoire and Sierra Leone. These accusations highlight a pattern of unethical practices, including bribery and illegal resource extraction, which have contributed to violence and instability in diamond-producing regions.
Samuel Tettey, an expert on African resource management, notes that countries such as Uganda and Rwanda, which have historically been implicated in cross-border smuggling of minerals from the DRC, have strong diplomatic and security ties with Israel. These minerals, including diamonds, gold, and coltan, are often trafficked to benefit external actors, including private Israeli companies. While no direct evidence ties the Israeli government to these activities, private entities with military and intelligence connections are believed to have profited from the instability. This involvement is generally through indirect channels like business ventures and intelligence networks
‘In this scenario, Israel’s influence would not necessarily be overt but would operate through private actors, businesses, or intelligence networks that benefit from instability in the region,’ Djuma says.
The impact on Israel’s economy and military
Israel’s diamond industry has long been a critical pillar of its economy. By 2014, the rough and polished diamond trade in Israel generated a staggering $9.2bn, contributing approximately 30 percent to the country’s gross national income. Even as recently as 2022, Israel’s polished diamond exports reached nearly $9.16bn, accounting for a significant portion of the nation’s total exports.
Much of Israel’s diamond wealth is concentrated in Ramat Gan, near Tel Aviv, home to the country’s diamond exchange. This facility is one of the most important in the world, serving as a hub for cutting, polishing, and trading diamonds. It has played a central role in Israel’s ability to dominate the global market, with key export destinations including the United States and Europe.
However, Israel’s diamond trade is not just an economic powerhouse—it also plays a critical role in funding the country’s military activities. It is estimated that the diamond industry contributes around $1bn annually to Israel’s Defence Ministry, funding operations that include the illegal occupation of Palestinian territories and the construction of settlements in Jerusalem and the West Bank.
Corruption and controversy: key Israeli figures in Africa
Several high-profile Israeli businessmen have been linked to corruption and unethical practices in Africa’s diamond industry. One such figure is Lev Leviev, a Jewish billionaire with ties to Israel’s military and government. Leviev and his family have been accused of smuggling millions of dollars’ worth of diamonds into Israel and have been heavily involved in funding illegal settlement activities in Palestinian territories. Through his company, the Israel Land Fund, Leviev has supported the expansion of settlements in the West Bank, which has drawn international condemnation, according to TRT World’s report. .
Another controversial figure is Benny Steinmetz, an Israeli mining magnate arrested in 2023 in Cyprus for his involvement in corrupt diamond deals in Africa. Steinmetz’s company, BSG Resources, has been accused of securing mining rights through bribery in countries such as Guinea and the DRC. His operations in Africa have contributed to the exploitation of local communities, with little benefit reaching the citizens of these diamond-rich nations. In 2021, Steinmetz was convicted in Switzerland for paying $8.5 million in bribes to obtain mining rights in Guinea, highlighting the pervasive corruption surrounding Israel’s involvement in Africa’s diamond trade.
Dan Gertler, another Israeli businessman, has also played a significant role in the DRC’s mining sector. A close ally of former Congolese President Joseph Kabila, Gertler secured lucrative mining contracts that allowed him to control a large portion of the country’s diamond exports. His operations have drawn widespread criticism for exploiting Congo’s resources while providing little benefit to the local population. Gertler has been sanctioned by the US government for his role in undermining the DRC’s stability.
Ethical concerns and the global response
The involvement of Israeli companies and individuals in Africa’s conflict diamond trade has garnered significant criticism from human rights organisations and ethical trade groups. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, established to prevent the sale of conflict diamonds, has made progress in curbing the flow of blood diamonds into the global market, but illegal trade persists, particularly in regions like the DRC.
Despite these efforts, Israel’s diamond industry continues to thrive, in part due to its ability to source diamonds from African conflict zones. This ongoing trade raises serious questions about the global diamond market’s commitment to ethical sourcing, as well as Israel’s role in exacerbating violence and instability in Africa.
As the world grapples with the consequences of the blood diamond trade, Israel’s deep entanglement in Africa’s diamond industry remains a controversial and troubling issue. While the country profits immensely from the diamond trade, the cost of this business is borne by the millions of people affected by conflict, violence, and exploitation in Africa’s diamond-producing regions.
Israel has generally denied direct involvement in the blood diamond trade and maintains that its diamond industry operates within international legal frameworks, particularly those established by the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS). The KPCS was set up to prevent the trade in conflict diamonds, and Israel, as a participant, insists that its diamond exports comply with these global regulations.
Israeli officials and industry representatives often point to the country’s adherence to the Kimberley Process as proof of its commitment to ethical diamond sourcing. The Israeli government and the Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE), located in Ramat Gan, have frequently stated that they are committed to ensuring that diamonds traded through Israel are conflict-free and meet international ethical standards.
However, despite these reassurances, accusations about indirect involvement, primarily through private businesses and individuals, continue to surface. Israel’s Foreign Ministry, when pressed about alleged connections to conflict diamonds or military-linked transactions, tends to focus on its formal economic and diplomatic ties with African nations. It highlights the role of Israeli technology and expertise in fostering legitimate business partnerships with African countries, including in the mining sector.
In cases where prominent Israeli businessmen like Benny Steinmetz or Dan Gertler have been implicated in corrupt practices or unethical dealings in Africa’s mining sectors, Israeli authorities typically distance themselves from the individuals involved, framing their actions as independent of the state’s official stance. The Israeli government emphasises that it does not endorse or participate in illegal activities by private companies or individuals.
Nevertheless, international scrutiny continues, and human rights advocates argue that more oversight is needed to ensure that Israeli companies and individuals do not exploit conflict zones for economic gain. The challenge for Israel is balancing its role as a major player in the global diamond market while addressing persistent allegations of unethical practices tied to conflict resources in Africa.
