Algeria
vs
Israel
Head to head: who leads each category
Algeria
47.4M
Leads
Israel
10.1M
Algeria
$287.0B
Israel
$610.8B
Leads
Algeria
$21.8B
Israel
$46.5B
Leads
Algeria
#71
Israel
#5
Leads
About this relationship
Israel and Algeria do not maintain diplomatic relations. Algeria does not recognize Israel and there are no formal diplomatic ties between the two countries. Consequently, there are no resident Israeli and Algerian embassies operating in each other's territory.
The absence of diplomatic relations is part of the wider Arab-Israeli political context. Algeria has historically supported the Palestinian cause and has maintained a policy opposing the normalization of relations with Israel. This position has prevented the establishment of formal bilateral diplomatic channels.
Relations between the two countries are therefore conducted indirectly through international and multilateral institutions rather than through normal bilateral diplomatic mechanisms. Algeria participates in Arab and African organizations and has regularly addressed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in international forums.
There are also no normal bilateral frameworks covering areas such as political consultations, trade agreements or regular consular cooperation. The absence of diplomatic recognition limits direct institutional exchanges between the two governments.
The relationship has also been affected by Algeria's historical role in the Arab-Israeli conflict and its support for Palestinian statehood. Algeria has consistently maintained that a political settlement should address Palestinian rights and has opposed moves towards normalization that do not include a resolution of the Palestinian issue.
At the international level, the two countries can nevertheless be present in the same multilateral organizations and forums. Their representatives may therefore address common international issues through multilateral diplomacy even though no formal bilateral relationship exists.
The Israel–Algeria relationship is consequently characterized primarily by the absence of diplomatic relations. Political positions concerning Israel, Palestine and regional normalization remain the principal factors shaping the relationship, while direct bilateral cooperation remains extremely limited because of the lack of formal ties.
Strengths & comparison
The position in the international influence ranking of Israel is 5, while Algeria is situated 66 places below in the ranking (position 71). Israel maintains contact with 158 countries, while Algeria maintains contact with 51 countries. Israel maintains an excellent relation with 18 countries, while in the case of Algeria, this figure drops to 3.
About Algeria
Algeria is a country located in North Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Tunisia to the northeast, Libya to the east, Niger to the southeast, Mali and Mauritania to the southwest, and Morocco to the west. It is the largest country in Africa and the Arab world, and the tenth-largest in the world.
Algeria has a long and complex history, having been ruled by various empires and powers throughout its history, including the Roman Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and the French colonial empire. It gained independence from France in 1962, after a long and bloody struggle known as the Algerian War of Independence.
Since independence, Algeria has been ruled by a series of authoritarian governments, and has faced several internal conflicts and political instability. However, it has also made significant economic and social progress, with a strong focus on education and the development of its natural resources, particularly oil and natural gas.
Geopolitically, Algeria is an important player in the region, and is a member of the Arab League and the African Union. It has strong ties to its neighbors and other countries in the region, and is involved in regional efforts to promote stability and cooperation. It is also a major player in the global energy market, and is a key supplier of oil and natural gas to Europe and other parts of the world.
Geography & terrain
A narrow, fertile Mediterranean coastal strip gives way to the Atlas Mountains and then the vast Sahara Desert, which covers most of the country. Climate ranges from Mediterranean on the coast to hot and arid in the interior. The desert interior is a formidable natural barrier against invasion, though the populated coastal belt is more exposed to seaborne attack.
About Israel
Israel is a small country located in the Middle East, on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by Lebanon to the north, Syria to the northeast, Jordan and the West Bank to the east, and Egypt and the Gaza Strip to the southwest.
Israel has a population of about 9 million people, and is a democratic and parliamentary republic. The official languages are Hebrew and Arabic, and the currency is the Israeli shekel.
Israel has a complex and often tumultuous history, and its modern political landscape is shaped by its position as a predominantly Jewish state in a region with a large Arab population. Relations between Israel and its neighbors have been strained at times, and the country has been involved in several wars and conflicts over the years.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been a major source of tension in the region for decades. Israel's occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, territories that are home to a large Palestinian population, has been a particularly contentious issue. Efforts to reach a peaceful resolution to the conflict have been ongoing for many years, but have so far been unsuccessful.
Israel is also involved in regional politics and has strong ties with the United States, which is a major ally and provider of military aid. Israel is a member of several international organizations, including the United Nations and the World Trade Organization.
Geography & terrain
A narrow Mediterranean coastal plain gives way to central hills, the Jordan Rift Valley, and the arid Negev desert in the south. Mostly Mediterranean climate, turning desert further south. Has a Mediterranean coastline. The narrow width leaves little strategic depth, but the eastern high ground overlooking the Jordan Valley has real defensive value, making that terrain a historic strategic prize.
| Algeria |
Israel |
|
|---|---|---|
| Government type | Semi-presidential republic | Parliamentary republic |
| GDP | $287.0B | $610.8BLeads |
| GDP per capita | $6.1K | $60.3KLeads |
| Military expenditure | $21.8B | $46.5BLeads |
| Military expenditure per capita | $460 | $4.6KLeads |
| Land military expenditure (estimation) | $10.9B | $18.6BLeads |
| Air military expenditure (estimation) | $5.5B | $18.6BLeads |
| Naval military expenditure (estimation) | $5.5B | $9.3BLeads |
| Nuclear power | No | Yes |
| European Union | Not a member | Not a member |
| NATO | Not a member | Not a member |
Strengths & comparison
The capitals of Algeria and Israel are approximately 2 992 km apart (straight-line distance). There is a standard time difference of about 1.0 hours between them.
Based on shared language, currency, economic profile, borders and international groups, Algeria and Israel score a 20/100 similarity index. This is a fun, approximate metric — not a scientific one.
Very bad relation (3-/10) with both countries
Which side is each country closer to?
Comparing Algeria's and Israel's scores against the same third countries shows where each one has a clear edge. Algeria scores noticeably higher with: China, Russia, Ukraine, Spain, Serbia.Israel scores noticeably higher with: United States, United Arab Emirates, Greece, South Korea, Vietnam.
Let's suppose a hypothetical conflict occurs between both countries:
Solo scenario: Algeria vs Israel
Allies scenario: Team Algeria vs Team Israel
In a hypothetical conflict between Algeria and Israel, probably, Algeria won't have any partner.
Greece will participate helping Israel.
Battle narrative
Initial phase
With both the bigger war chest and the stronger air force, Israel is well placed to seize the initiative early, striking key military and infrastructure targets first.
Force composition
Israel can also call on significantly more personnel, counting both active-duty and reserve forces. Israel's advantage extends to naval power as well.
Ground campaign
Algeria's terrain could make a rapid ground campaign difficult: The desert interior is a formidable natural barrier against invasion, though the populated coastal belt is more exposed to seaborne attack. Port of Algiers would likely be a focal point of the campaign: Algeria's capital and largest port, the primary entry point for seaborne supplies and reinforcements. Israel's terrain could make a rapid ground campaign difficult: The narrow width leaves little strategic depth, but the eastern high ground overlooking the Jordan Valley has real defensive value, making that terrain a historic strategic prize. Golan Heights would likely be a focal point of the campaign: Elevated terrain overlooking southern Syria and northern Israel, giving whoever holds it early warning and artillery range advantages. Algeria's larger population could also support a prolonged resistance.
Prolonged conflict
Israel's stronger economy could help sustain military operations in a prolonged conflict. Occupying Algeria outright would likely prove costly given its terrain.
Overall assessment
Overall, the numbers favor Israel, giving it an estimated 60.7% chance of coming out on top. Turning that edge into a decisive win over Algeria — and holding any ground taken — would still be far from guaranteed.
Initial phase
Israel's team's larger military budget and stronger air power give it an advantage in the initial stages of the conflict, with the ability to target key military positions and infrastructure.
Force composition
Israel's team can also call on significantly more personnel, counting both active-duty and reserve forces. Israel's team's advantage extends to naval power as well.
Ground campaign
Algeria's terrain could make a rapid ground campaign difficult: The desert interior is a formidable natural barrier against invasion, though the populated coastal belt is more exposed to seaborne attack. Port of Algiers would likely be a focal point of the campaign: Algeria's capital and largest port, the primary entry point for seaborne supplies and reinforcements. Algeria's team's larger population could also support a prolonged resistance.
Coalition
Israel's team goes into this conflict as a coalition of Israel and Greece. Fighting as part of a coalition brings combined strength, though coordinating several countries also adds logistical complexity.
Prolonged conflict
Israel's team's stronger economy could help sustain military operations in a prolonged conflict. Algeria's team also devotes a larger share of its economy to defense (about 7.6% of GDP), a more militarized posture that could be easier to sustain over time. Occupying Algeria's team outright would likely prove costly given its terrain.
Overall assessment
Overall, the numbers favor Israel's team, giving it an estimated 64.5% chance of coming out on top. Turning that edge into a decisive win over Algeria's team — and holding any ground taken — would still be far from guaranteed.
Want to build your own teams? Try the War Simulator.