The Impact of Domestic Factors on Foreign Policy: Nigerian/Israeli Relations

Since 1960 when Nigeria became an independent state, its relation with Israel has generated “heated controversy” (Nereus, 1993:16). From the late 1970s, the controversy climaxed when late President Sadat of Egypt embarked on his bold peace initiatives in the Middle East (Olusola, 1986:438). It is worth mentioning that the events leading to the Arab-Israeli War of 1967 also contributed in no small measure. The consideration or adoption of the Arab-Israeli War in the Nigerian domestic milieu and politics further complicated the issue, elevating the debate to a stage of great suspicion and sentiment.