Israel renews diplomatic relations with Muslim-majority Chad

Israel and Chad have renewed diplomatic ties decades after they were ruptured, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu announced Sunday during a visit to the African state.

Netanyahu and Chadian President Idriss Deby have "announced the renewal of diplomatic relations between Chad and Israel", a statement from the Israeli premier's office said.

Ties between Israel and the Muslim majority nation were broken in 1972.

"The two sides view the resumption of relations as the key to future cooperation for the benefit of both countries," the statement said.

Netanyahu on Twitter called the announcement "a historic moment".

Netanyahu has sought to improve ties with countries in the Arab and Muslim world and said he expected more such diplomatic breakthroughs soon.

The Israeli leader made a surprise visit to Oman in October that was followed by high-profile tour by Israeli ministers to the UAE and Oman.

Palestinians have strongly condemned the growing ties between Tel Aviv and Arab and Muslim states.

"There will be more countries," said Netanyahu, who is seeking re-election in April 9 polls while also facing the possibility of being indicted in corruption investigations in the coming weeks.

The one-day visit follows Deby's November trip to Israel.

Chadian security sources say the country has acquired Israeli equipment to help battle rebels in the country's north.

Chad is also one of several African states engaged in Western-backed operations against Boko Haram and Islamic State group jihadists.

Israel currently has full diplomatic relations with only two Arab states - Egypt and Jordan.