While the statement did not elaborate on the reason behind the decision, it is widely believed to be down to pressure from anti-Israel elements. Strong opposition emerged from the Palestinian Authority, as well as the leaders of both Morocco and South Africa, the Times of Israel reported.
Mr Netanyahu’s administration has been keen to promote cooperation with Africa, under the banner “Israel is returning to Africa”.
But last month he told his cabinet: “Various pressures have been placed on the Togolese president to cancel the conference.”
The statement said that both countries would work together to select a new date and added: “Israel will continue its growing efforts in Africa as it has done in recent years.”
It continued: “Israel believes that the African countries and Israel can only benefit from the continuation of practical cooperation between the two sides, and this is in important areas such as water, agriculture, health and technology.”
Some insiders believe that domestic issues in both countries may also have played a part in the summit’s deferral, including the pending indictment of Mr Netanyahu’s wife on criminal charges and street protests against the government in Togo.
