Israel–Nauru relations

Israeli–Nauruan relations
Map indicating locations of Israel and Nauru

Israel
Nauru

Israel–Nauru relations are diplomatic and other relations between Israel and Nauru. Israel has a non-resident ambassador in Jerusalem and honorary consulate (Yaren), Nauru has an honorary consulate (Rosh HaAyin).

Both countries have been described as holding a close relationship with each other. Nauru's voting record at the United Nations has been characterized as "longstanding support" for Israel.[1][2]

History

In 2010 the President of Nauru, Marcus Stephen and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Nauru, Kieren Keke, along with Nauru's ambassador to the United Nations, Marlene Moses visited Israel, and at that meeting President Stephen expressed unqualified support for Israel. [citation needed]

During the visit, which included a tour of the Golan Heights,[3] President Stephen and his Micronesian counterpart, Emanuel Mori planted a tree on Mount Herzl honor of diplomatic relations.[4]

In early December 2017, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu donated $72,000 to Nauru's wastewater treatment plant. Two weeks later, Nauru voted against a United Nations General Assembly resolution which declared the status of Jerusalem as Israel's capital as "null and void".[5][2] Earlier that year, Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely had met with Baron Waqa in a conference.[1][6]

On 29 August 2019, Nauru officially recognized Jerusalem as the state capital of Israel.[7][8] Palestinian representative Hanan Ashrawi released a statement "unequivocally condemn[ing]" Nauru's decision, while Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz praised the country's decision in addition to Israeli diplomat Yuval Rotem.[9][10][11]

In November 2021, Nauru was one of seven nations to vote in favour of Israel at a United Nations resolution.[12] The next month Nauru backed Israel in another resolution again.[13]

Benjamin Netanyahu's son Avner Netanyahu has visited Nauru, which possesses one of the lowest rates of tourism in the world.[9][14] Israeli aid agency Mashav distributed 20 scholarships to Nauru in 2017, in addition to medical supplies and training.[6][2]

Following the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, Nauru condemned Hamas, supporting Israel's right to defend itself.[15] The same month, Nauru joined the minority in the United Nations alongside twelve other member states, voting against an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.[16] In November 2023, Nauru again voted with the minority, alongside six other member states, against a resolution condemning Israeli settlement activity in the Palestinian territories.[17] Again in December 2023, Nauru voted against an immediate ceasefire along with the US and seven additional countries.[18]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Israel thanks Nauru; offers water and agri-training". Arutz Sheva. 11 June 2017. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  2. ^ a b c "Nauru recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital". Middle East Monitor. 29 August 2019. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  3. ^ News (23 January 2010). "President of Micronesia, Nauru tour Golan Heights". Ynet. Retrieved 17 February 2022. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  4. ^ "The Presidents of Micronesia and Nauru Plant Olive Trees in the Forest of Nations". kkl-jnf.org. 24 January 2010. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  5. ^ Israel, David (28 December 2017). "Netanyahu Gifts Micronesian Island Country that Supported Israel at UN Vote". The Jewish Press. Retrieved 29 December 2017.
  6. ^ a b "Netanyahu: Nauru has been a wonderful friend to Israel". Arutz Sheva. 12 June 2017. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  7. ^ "Two More Countries Recognize Jerusalem as Israel's Capital". CBN News. 29 August 2019.
  8. ^ "Republic of Nauru recognizes Jerusalem as Israel's capital". JNS.org. 29 August 2019.
  9. ^ a b JTA and TOI staff. "Nauru, world's 'least-visited country,' recognizes Jerusalem as Israel's capital". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  10. ^ "Nauru, Honduras recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital". The Jerusalem Post | Jpost.com. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  11. ^ "Nauru to recognise Jerusalem as Israeli capital". RNZ. 2 September 2019. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  12. ^ "157 nations call on Israel to halt exploitation of Palestinian resources". The Jerusalem Post | Jpost.com. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  13. ^ staff, T. O. I. "UN moves forward with unprecedented open-ended probe against Israel". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  14. ^ Pacific, Loop. "Nauru recognizes Jerusalem as Israel's capital". Loop Nauru. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  15. ^ "Nauru condemns terrorist attack on Israel". Loop Nauru. 12 October 2023. Archived from the original on 12 October 2023. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
  16. ^ Dawi, Akmal (7 November 2023). "US Viewed as Isolated in Diplomatic Fallout of Gaza War". Voice of America. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
  17. ^ "India votes in favour of resolution that condemns Israeli settlement activities in Palestine". Hindustan Times. 13 November 2023. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
  18. ^ Hu, Caitlin (12 December 2023). "UN General Assembly votes to demand immediate ceasefire in Gaza". CNN. Retrieved 13 December 2023.