The article presents the history of Israel’s relations with the countries of Sub-Saharan Africa between 1956 and 1973 and analyses the influence of these relations on Israel’s international position in the period in question. In particular, the article focuses on the specificity and scale of Israeli development assistance and the attitudes towards Israel presented by the countries of Sub-Saharan Africa, including in international forums. Israel’s active foreign policy in Africa resulted from both idealistic reasons and national interest. On the other hand, for the African countries regaining independence Israel was a desired partner as well, for numerous reasons. Israeli technical assistance and diplomatic efforts in Africa made it more difficult for Arab countries to establish a front aimed against Israel within the Organisation of African Unity and the United Nations. One of the reasons for the collapse of this unique relation was increasing pressure from Arab countries on African states, and its catalyst was the 1973 Arab– Israeli War. The characteristic features of the Israeli engagement discussed here constitute the foundation of the gradual restoration of Israel’s relations with the countries of Sub-Saharan Africa that has been going on since the 1980s.