Despite not having its own diamond resources, Israel ranks among the top five exporters of polished diamonds. How is this possible?
A Kimberley Process report—an international effort to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the market—reveals that six of the ten largest diamond-producing countries are in Africa, where many areas are embroiled in conflicts over diamond-rich regions.
In recent decades, Israel has strategically increased its involvement in Africa through investments, benefiting significantly from Africa’s diamond mines. Allegedly, Israeli companies linked to the military have acquired diamonds and other minerals at reduced prices through trades involving military equipment, thereby boosting Israel’s diamond industry.
In 2023, diamond exports played a significant role in Israel’s economy, contributing 12.3 percent to the total export category of “gems and precious metals.”
The diamond industry generates around $1 billion annually for Israel’s Defense Ministry, which is a substantial funding source for Israel’s controversial occupation of Palestinian territories.
Consequently, Israel’s diamond trade is implicated in the blood diamond industry—a trade tainted by the exploitation and suffering of millions. The term “blood diamond” emerged to highlight human rights abuses linked to the diamond trade, especially in conflict-ridden African nations.
The illegal extraction of precious minerals in conflict zones, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has been extensively documented, according to Habibu Djuma from the Africa Coordination and Training Center (AKEM). Djuma notes that these minerals are often mined under violent conditions, with proceeds fueling armed groups that perpetuate conflict.
DRC, plagued by numerous armed groups like the M23 in North Kivu and factions in Ituri and South Kivu, experiences severe human rights abuses, including violence against civilians and sexual violence, as explained by Espoir Ngalukiye, a political activist in DRC.
These diamonds have historically contributed to civil wars and widespread suffering in countries like Sierra Leone, Angola, and the DRC.
“Conflict diamonds, or blood diamonds, are those mined in war zones and sold to support insurgencies, warlords, or invading armies. Although the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme aims to curb their trade, illicit trafficking continues, particularly in conflict areas like the DRC,” Djuma says.
Djuma adds that Uganda and Rwanda, historically involved in smuggling DRC minerals, maintain strong diplomatic and security ties with Israel. In this context, Israel’s role might be indirect, operating through private actors or intelligence networks that benefit from regional instability.