Chad
vs
Israel
Head to head: who leads each category
Chad
21.0M
Leads
Israel
10.1M
Chad
$21.5B
Israel
$610.8B
Leads
Chad
$557.7M
Israel
$46.5B
Leads
Chad
#133
Israel
#5
Leads
About this relationship
Israel and Chad maintain diplomatic relations that have undergone several changes since the establishment of ties in 1960. Relations were severed in 1972 and restored in 2019 during a visit by Chadian President Idriss Déby to Israel, marking a significant reopening of bilateral contacts.
The renewed relationship has focused on security, agriculture, water management, health and technology. Israel has particular expertise in irrigation, desert agriculture and water technology, areas relevant to Chad's development needs.
Security cooperation is also important because Chad faces instability along several borders and is located near conflict zones in the Sahel and Lake Chad region. Israeli cooperation has included discussions on counterterrorism, border security and defence.
Political relations have developed through high-level visits. Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby visited Israel in 2023, and Israeli officials have maintained contacts with Chadian authorities concerning bilateral and regional issues.
Economic relations remain modest. Chad's economy is heavily dependent on agriculture and oil, while infrastructure and security challenges limit the scale of foreign investment. Nevertheless, Israeli companies and institutions have opportunities in agriculture, water, healthcare and technology.
The relationship is also affected by Israel's broader relations with African states and by the conflict in the Middle East. Chad has sought to maintain diplomatic engagement while balancing its regional and domestic priorities.
Overall, Israel-Chad relations are centred on security and practical cooperation in agriculture, water, health and technology. The restoration of diplomatic relations in 2019 created a framework for renewed engagement after several decades without formal ties.
Strengths & comparison
The position in the international influence ranking of Israel is 5, while Chad is situated 128 places below in the ranking (position 133). Israel maintains contact with 158 countries, while Chad maintains contact with 14 countries. Israel maintains an excellent relation with 18 countries, while in the case of Chad, this figure drops to 1.
About Chad
Chad is a landlocked country in central Africa. It is bordered by Libya to the north, Sudan to the east, the Central African Republic to the south, Cameroon and Nigeria to the southwest, and Niger to the west. The country has a population of around 16 million people and is home to more than 200 ethnic groups.
Chad has a long history of conflict and political instability, with numerous coups and civil wars throughout its history. The most recent period of conflict began in 2005, when President Idriss Deby clashed with rebel groups. Since then, the country has struggled with insurgency and terrorism, particularly in the north and east.
Chad is also facing significant economic challenges. It is one of the poorest countries in the world, with a GDP per capita of just $1,400 in 2020. The country is heavily reliant on oil exports, which make up more than 90% of its export revenues. However, low oil prices and declining reserves have put pressure on the government's ability to fund public services and invest in infrastructure.
Despite these challenges, Chad has made some progress in recent years. In 2020, the government signed a peace deal with several rebel groups, which has helped to reduce violence in the country. In addition, the government has taken steps to improve economic management and reduce corruption. However, much work remains to be done to ensure lasting peace and stability in Chad.
Geography & terrain
Spans a wide north-south range, from Saharan desert in the north through Sahelian scrub to savanna near Lake Chad in the south. Climate is hot and arid to semi-arid, with rainfall increasing southward. Landlocked, no coastline. The vast desert expanse of the north acts as a natural barrier that has discouraged large-scale invasion, while the more populated south is far more open and accessible.
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.
| Chad |
Israel |
|
|---|---|---|
| Government type | Presidential republic | Parliamentary republic |
| GDP | $21.5B | $610.8BLeads |
| GDP per capita | $1.0K | $60.3KLeads |
| Military expenditure | $557.7M | $46.5BLeads |
| Military expenditure per capita | $27 | $4.6KLeads |
| Land military expenditure (estimation) | $418.3M | $18.6BLeads |
| Air military expenditure (estimation) | $139.4M | $18.6BLeads |
| Naval military expenditure (estimation) | n/a | $9.3B |
| Nuclear power | No | Yes |
| European Union | Not a member | Not a member |
| NATO | Not a member | Not a member |
Strengths & comparison
The capitals of Chad and Israel are approximately 3 003 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, Chad and Israel score a 20/100 similarity index. This is a fun, approximate metric — not a scientific one.
Excellent relation (7+/10) with both countries
Very bad relation (3-/10) with both countries
Which side is each country closer to?
Comparing Chad's and Israel's scores against the same third countries shows where each one has a clear edge. Chad scores noticeably higher with: France, China, Spain, Turkey, Libya.Israel scores noticeably higher with: India, Germany, Mexico, United States, Romania.
Let's suppose a hypothetical conflict occurs between both countries:
Solo scenario: Chad vs Israel
Allies scenario: Team Chad vs Team Israel
In a hypothetical conflict between Chad and Israel, probably, France will participate helping Chad.
No country will participate helping Israel.
Battle narrative
Initial phase
Israel'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 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
Chad's terrain could make a rapid ground campaign difficult: The vast desert expanse of the north acts as a natural barrier that has discouraged large-scale invasion, while the more populated south is far more open and accessible. N'Djamena would likely be a focal point of the campaign: The capital sits at the confluence of the Chari and Logone rivers near the borders with Cameroon and Nigeria, making it the country's central transport hub. 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. Chad's larger population could also support a prolonged resistance.
Prolonged conflict
Israel's stronger economy could help sustain military operations in a prolonged conflict. Israel 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 Chad outright would likely prove costly given its terrain.
Overall assessment
Israel would be more likely to prevail in this matchup, with an estimated 81.1% probability of winning. Achieving a decisive victory over Chad — let alone occupying it — would likely be more difficult than that headline number suggests.
Initial phase
Chad's team's larger military budget gives it an advantage in the initial stages of the conflict.
Force composition
Israel's team can also call on significantly more personnel, counting both active-duty and reserve forces. Chad's team also holds a clear naval edge.
Ground campaign
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. Chad's team's larger population could also support a prolonged resistance.
Coalition
Chad's team goes into this conflict as a coalition of France and Chad. Fighting as part of a coalition brings combined strength, though coordinating several countries also adds logistical complexity.
Prolonged conflict
Chad's team's stronger economy could help sustain military operations in a prolonged conflict. Israel'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 Israel's team outright would likely prove costly given its terrain.
Overall assessment
Overall, the numbers favor Chad's team, giving it an estimated 55.5% chance of coming out on top. Turning that edge into a decisive win over Israel's team — and holding any ground taken — would still be far from guaranteed.
Want to build your own teams? Try the War Simulator.