Israel’s Pacific opportunity
Israel seeks development partner status in the Pacific Islands Forum just as one of the world’s most seemingly tranquil regions is becoming increasingly contested: Beijing launched a nuclear-capable, submarine-launched ballistic-missile test into the South Pacific on July 6, reportedly without prior permission from the Pacific Islands in the region where the test took place, while the competition between China and Taiwan is intensifying among island states.The region is more important to Israel than its geographic distance might suggest. A core group of Pacific Island countries has consistently provided Israel with valuable diplomatic support in international institutions. In a U.N. General Assembly vote in December 2025 on Israeli settlements, Fiji, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Naoero (formerly Nauru), Palau, Papua New Guinea and Tonga all voted with Israel and the United States; the Marshall Islands has also historically been among Israel’s most reliable supporters at the United Nations.The…
Israel is actively pursuing development partner status with the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), a move that signifies a deeper engagement with the Indo-Pacific region. This initiative comes as the Pacific becomes an increasingly contested area, with intensifying competition between China and Taiwan, and a recent nuclear-capable missile test by Beijing. Israel's interest is driven by the consistent diplomatic support it receives from several Pacific Island nations in international forums, including recent UN votes. Papua New Guinea and Fiji have recently opened embassies in Jerusalem, with Naoero intending to follow, and Israel reciprocated by opening a regional embassy in Suva, Fiji, in June. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar stated Israel aims to be a "strategic partner to the Pacific Islands Forum."
- Israel's new ambassador to Fiji, Maya Yaron, previously served in Taiwan and Beijing, providing valuable experience in navigating the region's complex geopolitical landscape.
- The 55th PIF Leaders Meeting in Palau (August 31-September 4) highlights the challenges, as Palau, a Taiwan ally, hosted Taiwan's foreign minister, prompting warnings from China.
- Israel's proposed contribution to the PIF will focus on technological expertise in areas like water security, agriculture, climate adaptation, and cybersecurity, rather than political involvement in the China-Taiwan dispute.
- Gaining development partner status would provide Israel with a structured connection to these diplomatically significant countries and further its broader Indo-Pacific engagement strategy.
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