Foreign relations of Israel

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The State of Israel joined the United Nations on May 11, 1949. Today, Israel has diplomatic relations with 158 states. The number is comparatively low, as a significant portion of the Muslim world does not recognize Israel as a legitimate state.[1] High priorities in the foreign policy of Israel are seeking an end to hostilities with the Arab countries that have battled against it since its inception, and establishing commercial and cultural ties with nations around the world.

Contents

[edit] Diplomatic relations

After the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, the Jewish state suffered from diplomatic isolation and Arab League boycotts. Since 1967, it has established diplomatic relations with most countries, including two of its Arab neighbors, although many Arab and Islamic countries have continued to shun it. After the Madrid Conference of 1991, and as a direct result of the peace process, Israel established or renewed diplomatic ties with 68 countries.

As of November 2006, 34 countries do not have formal diplomatic relations with Israel:

Morocco, Tunisia and the Sultanate of Oman closed the Israeli offices in these countries in October 2000 and suspended relations with Israel. The Republic of China (or Taiwan[3])does recognize Israel, but does not officially conduct relations with it (though there are "unofficial relations") due to Israel's recognition of the PRC. All Lusophone countries, including the African ones of Guinea Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique and Cape Verde, maintain diplomatic relations with Israel.

[edit] Armenia

See also: History of the Jews in Armenia

Armenia and Israel have strong and historic relations, that latter of which has a substantial and historic Armenian community located in the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem.

Since independence, Armenia has received support from Israel and today remains one of their major trade partners. While both countries have diplomatic relations, neither maintains an embassy in the other country. Instead, Ehud Moshe Eitam, the Israeli ambassador to Armenia is based in Tbilisi, Georgia, and visits Yerevan twice a month. [5]

Because Turkey is one of the few countries in the Middle East that recognizes Israel's right to exist and is a major ally of Israel, Israel has yet to recognize the Armenian Genocide, despite calls by Israeli politicians, rabbis, and Israel's Armenian population to do so. Turkey has warned of harming ties with Israel if Israel or the United States recognizes the killings as genocide.[1]

Still, there have been several high-level official visits to Israel by Armenians in the last several years. In January 2000, President Robert Kocharian traveled to Israel and met with high-ranking Israeli officials, including former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak. The two sides pledged to strengthen relations and signed agreements on health and bilateral investment. [6]

Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial in Israel, has paid tribute to ten Armenians as Righteous Among the Nations for risking their lives during the Holocaust to rescue Jews. In 1988, Israel Defense Forces were sent to Armenia after a devastating earthquake. Over the past years, trade between Israel and Armenia has further increased the two nations’ friendship.

Since 1989, 1,246 Jews have immigrated to Israel from Armenia.[7]

[edit] United States

Main article: Israel-United States relations

The relations between Israel and the United States have evolved from an initial United States policy of sympathy and support for the creation of a Jewish state in 1948 (It was the first country to recognize the establishment of the State) to an unusual partnership that links Israel with the United States trying to balance competing interests in the Middle East region. The United States has been considered Israel's most powerful and supportive ally for almost 40 years and hosts the annual Salute to Israel Parade in New York City.

The United States is Israel's largest trading partner, accounting for 22.4% of Israel's $43.19 billion in imports, and 42.1% of Israel's $40.14 billion in exports annually (2005).[8] The U.S. also provides Israel with $2.4 billion in miltary assistance annually, which is equivalent to 24.5% of Israel's military expenditures. (2005).[8]

Israel is the ninth-greatest recipient of American foreign aid.[9]

[edit] New Zealand

Main article: Israel-New Zealand relations

New Zealand has a long history of support for Israel beginning with support for the Partition Plan in 1947. Since then, most Kiwi governments have been generally supportive of Israel. The diplomatic relationship between New Zealand and Israel has deteriorated, however, in recent years. After 53 years of full diplomatic relations, the Israeli Embassy in Wellington was closed in 2002. At one time there were four missions in the South Pacific area in Canberra, Sydney, Wellington and Suva in Fiji. Presently, only Canberra remains open, which is now responsible for New Zealand-Israeli Relations.

In May 2004, two Jewish Agency officials were detained for more than an hour at Auckland Airport. One of them reported that he had been told by a customs agent, “we are treating all you Israelis the same — you are nothing but drug dealers and spies.” The closure of the Embassy in Wellington is due to $5.4 million in cost-cuts by the Israeli Foreign Ministry, but it is difficult to pinpoint the cause to weakened relations.. Speculation has been made that as trade with Arab countries is a major player in industry in New Zealand, foreign policy may be effected. In June 2004, the New Zealand Government openly criticized Israel’s policy of bulldozing Palestinian homes and donated $534,000 to aid homeless Palestinians.

A bigger scandal emerged in mid-2004, which led to a more serious deterioration in the relationship. Two suspected Mossad agents were jailed for three months and paid a $35,000 fine for trying on false grounds to obtain a New Zealand passport. High-level visits between the two countries were subsequently cancelled, visa restrictions imposed for Israeli officials, and an expected visit to New Zealand by Israeli president Moshe Katsav was cancelled. More than a year later, Israel apologized and New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark announced that it was time to resume friendly diplomatic relations with Israel.

The growing Jewish community in New Zealand has not been adversely affected by the strains with Israel. Anti-Semitic attacks remain infrequent with few reports of anti-Jewish vandalism or violence. For the most part, anti-Semitism has been due to influence from abroad and has appeared particularly in periods of economic depression. Still, while the number of anti-Semitic attacks remain low, New Zealand is no longer perceived as anti-Semitism free and safe as it once was

[edit] Turkey

Main article: Turkey-Israel relations

Alongside the United States, Turkey is one of Israel's two closest allies in the world. Turkey was the first Muslim-majority nation to formally recognize the State of Israel, only one year after the Declaration of the Jewish State (March 28 1949). Israel has been a major supplier of arms to Turkey. Military, strategic, and diplomatic cooperation between Turkey and Israel is accorded high priority by the governments of both countries, which share concerns with respect to the regional instabilities in the Middle East. The reason for Israel and Turkey's unusually close relationship is due to the many similarities the two countries share. Both are Western-style, pluralist democracies in a region (Middle-East) where both countries are ethnically and linguistically isolated. Although diplomatic relations have soured over the past few years, the two countries have patched-up their minor differences, marking a return to good ties that were severely strained in February 2006 when Turkey hosted a delegation from the Palestinian group Hamas.

On a formal visit to Turkey in 2006, Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni stated that "Bilateral relations [between Turkey and Israel] are excellent. Not only on a leader-to-leader level but also on a people-to-people level".

A Turkish diplomat, Selahattin Ulkumen, is honoured as one of the Righteous Among The Nations for his work in rescuing Jews from Nazi officials on the island of Cyprus, by issuing them Turkish visas and later arranging for their transport to Turkish territory. Another diplomat, Necdet Kent, also rescued Jews from Nazi authorities, for which he was awarded a special medal by the government of the State of Israel.

[edit] Arab states

Main articles: Arab-Israeli conflict, Arab League and the Arab-Israeli conflict, and Projects working for peace among Israelis and Arabs
See also: Israel-Lebanon conflict

Israel has full diplomatic relations with Egypt (the Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty was signed in 1979), Jordan (the Israel-Jordan Treaty of Peace was signed in 1994) and Mauritania and trade relations with Qatar. If a person's passport shows any evidence of travel to Israel, barring a diplomatic passport, they are forbidden entry to the Sultanate of Oman, among other Arab and Muslim states.[10] (See also Israeli passport)

On October 1, 1994, the Gulf States publicly announced their support for a review of the Arab boycott, in effect abolishing the secondary and tertiary boycotts against Israel. Israel has diplomatic relations with 9 non-Arab Muslim states and with 39 of the 43 Sub-Saharan African states that are not members of the Arab League.

Following the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, diplomats have been discussing the possibility of improved relations between Israel and Iraq. However, then-Iraqi PM Iyad Allawi said in 2004 that Iraq would not establish ties with Israel.[11]

In 2005, Saudi Arabia announced the end of its ban on Israeli goods and services, mostly due to its application to the World Trade Organization, where one member country cannot have a total ban on another. However, as of summer 2006 Saudi boycott was not cancelled.[12][13][14]

Tensions between Syria and Israel rose following Israel's execution of Operation Orchard on September 6, 2007. Israel bombed a northern Syrian complex near Dayr az-Zawr which was suspected of holding nuclear materials from North Korea.[15]

[edit] China

On January 9, 1950, the Israeli government extended recognition to the People's Republic of China, but diplomatic relations were not established until January 1992.

[edit] Agriculture

Israel has provided China with technological assistance in the areas of advanced agriculture and irrigation. Bilateral R&D projects, supported by the China-Israel Agricultural Research Fund, are focused on the development of new varieties of fruit and vegetables, agricultural biotechnology and applying modern technologies for processing fresh produce. Israel has built three major demonstration farms in China and several training centers which are supported by both Chinese and Israeli ministries of agriculture.

[edit] Military

Israel has also provided China with military assistance, expertise and technology. According to a report from the US-China Security Review Commission, "Israel ranks second only to Russia as a weapons system provider to China and as a conduit for sophisticated military technology, followed by France and Germany." Israel was ready to sell China the Phalcon, an Israeli airborne early-warning radar system (AWACS), until the United States forced it to cancel the deal.[16][17]

[edit] Culture

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, cultural exchange has been a major component of the bilateral relations, as both sides recognise the importance of creating a strong foundation based on their ancient and rich histories. In 2007, China launched a countrywide "Festival of Culture" in Israel to mark 15 years of relations.[18]

[edit] Cyprus

Israel has had diplomatic relations with Cyprus since Israel’s independence in 1948, when Cyprus was a British protectorate. Israel and Cyprus’ associations have continued to expand since 1960, the year of Cyprus’ independence.

[edit] Germany

Main article: Germany-Israel relations

Israel and Germany maintain a "special relationship" based on shared beliefs, Western values and a combination of historical perspectives.[19] Among the most important factors in their relations is Nazi Germany's role in the genocide of European Jews during the Holocaust.[20]

[edit] India

Main article: India-Israel relations

India established diplomatic relations with Israel in 1992 and has since become one of Israel's strongest allies in Asia.[21][22] The two countries cooperate in anti-terrorist activities in the Middle East and Southern Asia.[citation needed] Israel is India's second-largest arms provider and India is Israel's principal arms market, and the trade volume between the two countries has increased significantly in the past few years.[citation needed] Co-operation has taken place in the space sector as well with India launching Israeli satellites.


[edit] Iran

Main article: Iran-Israel relations

Relations between Israel and Iran have alternated from close political alliances between the two states during the era of the Pahlavi dynasty to hostility following the rise to power of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Currently, the countries do not have diplomatic relations with each other, due to Iran's refusal to recognise Israel as a sovereign country.

Recently comments made by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad[23] were perceived by Israel as threat of destruction..[24][25][26][27]

A larger population of Iranian Jews reside in Israel with the former President of Israel Moshe Katsav, the former Chief of Staff / Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz, former Chief of staff Dan Halutz, being the most famous of this group.

[edit] Ireland

Full diplomatic relations between Ireland and Israel were established in 1975.[28] As of 2006, the Israeli ambassador to Ireland was Zion Evrony,[29] and the Irish ambassador to Israel was Michael Forbes.[30]

The Irish government followed a similar line to other EU governments during the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict, with the Irish Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, condemning the actions of Israel as "reckless and disproportionate" and calling for an immediate ceasefire on both sides, while also condemning the actions of Hezbollah.[31] During the conflict, a shipment of bombs that attempted to land in the Republic of Ireland from USA to Tel Aviv was denied use of Irish airspace and airfields by the Irish Government. The weapons were part of a series of agreed arms shipments between the United States Government and Israel. The shipments were diverted via Scotland, where they also caused controversy.[32]

[edit] Japan

Main article: Israel-Japan relations

On May 15, 1952, diplomatic relations were established with the government of Japan at a Legation level. However, the Japanese government refrained from appointing a Minister Plenipotentiary to Israel until 1955. Relations between the two states were distant at first, but after 1958, as demand no break occurred. This had been at the same time the Arab world had imposed an oil embargo against several countries, including Japan.

[edit] Luxembourg

In November 1947, Luxembourg voted in favor of the partition plan to create a Jewish state. Israel and Luxembourg established full diplomatic relations in 1949. Due to Luxembourg's small size, the Israeli embassy is located in Brussels and Luxembourg is represented politically by the Dutch embassy and economically by the Belgian embassy.


[edit] Philippines

On November 29, 1947, the Philippines was the only Asian nation to support the partition resolution at the United Nations creating a Jewish State in Palestine. Israel and the Philippines established full diplomatic relationships in 1957. Embassies were opened both in Tel-Aviv and Manila in 1962. The two countries have enjoyed warm relations in all spheres. In 1997, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) institutionalizing the bilateral political dialogue between the respective foreign ministries. The political dialogue runs parallel to the rich cooperation in trade and economy, culture, technical assistance, science, academic exchanges, tourism etc.

There are approximately 60,000 Filipino workers, in Israel.


[edit] Singapore

Singapore and Israel have strong bilateral ties and have enjoyed close relations from the outset. This is in part due to both countries' perceptions of themselves as regional economic powerhouses surrounded by much larger Islamic countries with which they have, at best, an uneasy relationship. During Singapore's sudden independence (as a consequence of being expelled from Malaysia), Singapore appealed to the international community for technical assistance and military aid. Israel responded in the affirmative, sending over a mission to jump-start Singapore's economy and to create, from scratch, Singapore's armed forces and its Ministry of Defence (Mindef), the former modeled after the IDF in both doctrine and order of battle.

Today both countries have extensive economic ties and engage in a high volume of trade, with an emphasis on technology and research and development in the spheres of bio-technology and defence.

Israel's national airline El Al does not fly to Singapore as Singapore is located in the region of Indonesia and Malaysia both of which are hostile to Israel and do not allow overflight rights for Israeli aircraft.

Israel has had diplomatic representation in Singapore since its earliest days, with representation formalised in 1968. Singapore is a regional hub for Israeli businesses, while a growing number of members of both business communities seek opportunities for joint ventures in biotechnology, IT and the software industries.

Several bilateral agreements provide a solid framework for cooperation in areas such as healthcare, defence, and technological research & development. Most recently, in 1997, a bi-national fund for financing new technological products was set up, an indicator of deepening bilateral relations between both states.

Cultural exchanges have been accentuated by encouraging the participation of Israeli artists in international events in Singapore, cultivating a broad interest in Israeli performing arts. The yearly Film Festival has grown to become a cornerstone in the structured framework of activities.[33]

[edit] Soviet Union and the Eastern Bloc

Main articles: Soviet Union and the Arab-Israeli conflict and Russia and the Arab-Israeli conflict

The Soviet Union voted in favor of the 1947 UN Partition Plan (Resolution 181) which paved the way for the creation of the State of Israel. Within 11 minutes of Israel's declaration of independence, it was recognized by the United States. The Soviet Union followed soon after, along with most of the other Western powers. [34]

The Soviet Union and the other communist states of Eastern Europe (with the exception of Romania) cut diplomatic ties with Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War. Relations were restored in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union, despite the fact that hostile Arab countries such as Syria also maintain close ties with Russia.

[edit] South Africa

Main article: Israel-South Africa relations

Relations between Israel and the Union of South Africa were established as early as 1948, the Nationalist Prime Minister Daniel François Malan paying a visit to Israel and "forgetting" about the clearly antisemitic profile his own party's earned during the 1930s and by its opposition to joining in the Anti-Hitlerite coalition in World War II. After the Sharpeville massacre of 1960, Israel became one of the loudest critics of South African apartheid regime, which, along with Israel's intensive cooperation with the newly independent Sub-Saharan states, brought about a break in relations with Pretoria. After 1967, however, and particularly in the 1970s, Israel became Pretoria's strategic partner. Israel joined the West only in the late 1980s in boycotting South Africa before the collapse of apartheid. Relations between modern-day Israel and South Africa are increasingly warm, although South Africa has been an outspoken critic of Israel's treatment of the Palestinians.

[edit] Spain

Israel and Spain have maintained diplomatic ties since 1986. Relations have been tense since August 2006, after Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero attended a protest rally against the war in Lebanon wearing a keffiyeh around his neck. Nevertheless, Israeli exports to Spain are on the rise, totalling $870 million in 2006, and Israeli firms doing business with Spain include the Dead Sea Works, Haifa Chemicals, Amdocs, Comverse and Teva Pharmaceuticals.[35]

[edit] Venezuela

Main article: Israel-Venezuela relations

Relations have historically been strong, but the bilateral ties have soured under the Presidency of Hugo Chávez in Venezuela.[36] The Jewish population in Venezuela, which peaked at 45,000,[37] is now below 15,000 "as a result of severe instability in the country", according to the Israeli Stephen Roth Institute.[38] The Miami Herald, Jewish Times, and Jewish organizations have reported large-scale emigration of Jewish people from Venezuela during the Chávez administration.[39][40] As a result of the June/July 2006 battles in the Gaza Strip, Venezuela withdrew its ambassador to Israel. The embassy itself remains open and operational [2][verification needed]

[edit] International organizations

The first international organization which the Israeli government joined was the International Wheat Council, established as part of Point Four Program in early 1949. Since May 11, 1949, the State of Israel is a member the United Nations. (See also Israel, Palestine and the United Nations)

Israel is a member of many agencies within the UN, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Israel also participates in other international organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the World Health Organization (WHO).[41]

Within the UNESCO, Israel is a member of the scientific council of the Informatics program, an active member in the International Hydrologic Plan (IHP) and an active member of the Man and Biosphere programme (MAB).[42]

Israel has joined the European Union Framework Programmes for Research and Technological Development[43] and is a member of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN),[44] the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF),[45] the European Laboratory and Organization for Molecular Biology (EMBP/EMBL/EMBC),[46] the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) since 1994,[47] the International Network for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises.[48] and the Bank for International Settlement in 2003.[49]

Israel is, as of may 2007, a trial member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).[50]

Israel is a member of the Mediterranean Dialogue with NATO.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Israel's Diplomatic Missions Abroad (Israeli MFA)
  2. ^ a b non-Muslim country, enduring alliance with the Palestine Liberation Organization.
  3. ^ a b non-Muslim country.; Israel formally recognize the People's Republic of China. The People's Republic of China refuses to have diplomatic relations with any nation that recognizes the Republic of China; see political status of Taiwan. Due to this reason, Israel may not establish diplomatic relations with Republic of China.
  4. ^   non-Muslim country.; Bhutan only has diplomatic relations with 22 countries; see Foreign relations of Bhutan.
  5. ^ Advocates on Behalf of Jews in Russia, Ukraine, the Baltic States, and Eurasia: Armenia and Jews
  6. ^ Advocates on Behalf of Jews in Russia, Ukraine, the Baltic States and Eurasia - Armenia
  7. ^ [http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/ jsource/vjw/armenia.html]
  8. ^ a b U.S. Department of State (February 2007). http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3581.htm "Background Note: Israel"]. Retrieved July 20, 2007.
  9. ^ Schoff's Almanac 2007, Ben Schott, "Top Ten Recipients of US Aid", Published by Bloomsbury USA, New York (2007), p. 63.
  10. ^ Oman (lonelyplanet.com)
  11. ^ Iraq not to establish diplomatic ties with Israel: Allawi (People's Daily) July 27, 2004
  12. ^ Saudi Arabia Continues Boycott of Israel By David Krusch. Jewish Virtual Library. August 2, 2006
  13. ^ Saudi Ambassador Says Trade Boycott of Israel Will Not End By ELI LAKE. New York Sun June 21, 2006
  14. ^ Arab League Boycott of IsraelPDF (42.1 KiB) CRS Report for Congress by Martin A. Weiss. Order Code RS22424. April 19, 2006
  15. ^ "Israelis ‘Israelis seized nuclear material in Syrian raid’", The Sunday Times, 2007-09-23. 
  16. ^ David Isenberg. "Israel's role in China's new warplane", Asia Times, Dec 4, 2002. 
  17. ^ "China's hi-tech military disaster", The Times (UK), June 11, 2006. 
  18. ^ Helen Kaye. "China celebrates", The Jerusalem Post, May 21, 2007. 
  19. ^ Israel's foreign relations. The Israel-German special relationship Britain Israel Communications and Research Centre] (BICOM) 23 November 2005. Accessed 2006-08-18
  20. ^ German Embassy. Background Papers. Germany and Israel
  21. ^ http://www.westerndefense.org/bulletins/Dec-01.htm
  22. ^ http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2003/5/29/162032.shtml
  23. ^
  24. ^ Repeat Offenders. Iran Says It Wants to Destroy Israel
  25. ^ Little fanfare in Iraq "Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called for the destruction of Israel, saying it was the only way to solve the problems of the Middle East." CNN, 1 January 2000
  26. ^ European Parliament rips Iran leader’s remarks
  27. ^ European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood policy: Statement on recent declarations by the President of Iran
  28. ^ Israel's Diplomatic Missions Abroad: Status of relations. Government of Israel. Retrieved on 2006-11-01.
  29. ^ Embassy of Israel, Dublin. Israeli Embassy, Dublin. Retrieved on 2006-11-01.
  30. ^ Irish Consulate and Embassy Information. Government of Ireland. Retrieved on 2006-11-01.
  31. ^ Taoiseach condemns killing of 4 UN Observers in Southern Lebanon. Government of Ireland (26 July, 2006). Retrieved on 2006-11-01.
  32. ^ Flights protest targets Prestwick. BBC News (30 July, 2006). Retrieved on 2006-11-01.
  33. ^ [http://singapore.mfa.gov.il/mfm/web/main/document.asp?SubjectID=2010&MissionID=58 &LanguageID=0&StatusID=0&DocumentID=-1]
  34. ^ http://www.nclci.org/Articles/art-flan-foundation.htm
  35. ^ http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/918284.html
  36. ^ Venezuela 'to sever Israel ties'
  37. ^ Halvorssen, Thor. Hurricane Hugo. The Weekly Standard, August 8, 2005, Volume 010, Issue 44. Also available at LookSmart.
  38. ^ Stephen Roth Institute. Annual Report 2004: Venezuela. Accessed August 11, 2006.
  39. ^ Berrios, Jerry. S. Fla. Venezuelans: Chavez incites anti-Semitism. Miami Herald (August 10, 2006).
  40. ^ Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County. JCRC expresses concern with Venezuelan unrest. Accessed August 11, 2006.
  41. ^ Government, International Organizations (countriesquest.com)
  42. ^ UNESCO Ministry of Science and Technology of Israel (MOST)
  43. ^ FP (MOST)
  44. ^ CERN (MOST)
  45. ^ ESRF (MOST)
  46. ^ EMBP/EMBL/EMBC (MOST)
  47. ^ IPGRI (MOST)
  48. ^ INSME members
  49. ^ Bank for International Settlement - profilePDF (34.8 KiB)
  50. ^ OECD (MOST)

[edit] See also

Israel Portal

[edit] Arab-Israeli peace diplomacy and treaties


[edit] External links

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