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Source: https://jiss.org.il/en/navon-israels-stakes-in-kabylias-declaration-of-independence/
Self-Determination for the Amazigh People in Algeria
(Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security) Dr. Emmanuel Navon - Kabylia is a mountainous region in northern Algeria inhabited predominantly by Amazigh (Berber) populations, estimated at 3-4 million people. They possess a distinct language, a continuous collective identity, shared historical experiences, and durable communal institutions. Following Algeria's independence in 1962, efforts by the Amazigh population to secure autonomy, decentralization, or constitutional recognition were consistently rejected. Kabylia presents a clear case of denied internal self-determination, in which peaceful and institutional routes for political participation have been systematically closed. On December 14, 2025, the government-in-exile of the Movement for the Self-Determination of Kabylia (MAK) proclaimed the independence of Kabylia in Paris. Israel's historic periphery strategy sought partnerships with non-Arab states and minority groups marginalized by dominant regional orders. Kabylia represents such an actor in North Africa. It is secular, pro-Western, and opposed to political Islam. Its leadership has expressed solidarity with Israel, including following the events of October 7, 2023. Algeria already maintains a hostile posture toward Israel and recognition of Kabylia would not significantly alter this dynamic. Israeli engagement with Kabylia would require careful dialogue with Morocco, which maintains opposition to separatism, but Moroccan caution should not be assumed to translate into substantive opposition, particularly given the depth of Israel-Morocco strategic cooperation. The writer is a senior fellow at JISS.