Will Southern Sudan establish relations with Israel?

In January, Sudan plans to hold a referendum on the secession of Southern Sudan from the country.

A representative of the Southern Sudanese stated in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat that he saw no reason that the new country should not to establish relations with Israel, saying that other Arab states have done so and that Southern Sudan does not want to antagonize any other country.

It is not clear whether Southern Sudan would be considered an Arab country. Arab states seem to be ambivalent about supporting the secession.