Israel to Open Embassy in Fiji, Expanding Diplomatic Presence in Pacific

Israel–Fiji Ties Deepen with Planned Embassy and Jerusalem Diplomacy

Israel has announced plans to open an embassy in Fiji in 2026 , marking a notable expansion of its diplomatic outreach in the Pacific region. The decision follows Fiji’s recent move to establish its own embassy in Jerusalem, a step that carries symbolic and geopolitical significance given the city’s disputed status.

Announcement and Diplomatic Significance

The announcement was made by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar after talks with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka . Israeli officials stated that opening an embassy in Fiji will deepen bilateral relations and strengthen Israel’s engagement with Pacific island nations, where its diplomatic presence has traditionally been limited. Israel considers Fiji a friendly and strategically important partner in a region that is gaining prominence amid shifting global alignments.

Fiji’s Embassy in Jerusalem

Fiji inaugurated its embassy in Jerusalem in September , joining a small group of countries that have diplomatic missions in the city. Other nations with embassies in Jerusalem include the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Paraguay and Papua New Guinea . Prior to Fiji’s decision, Papua New Guinea was the only Asia-Pacific country to open an embassy in Jerusalem, doing so in 2023. Israel welcomed Fiji’s move as a sign of growing international support.

Jerusalem and the International Dispute

Jerusalem remains a central and sensitive issue in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. Most countries maintain their embassies in Tel Aviv due to Jerusalem’s contested status. Israel occupied East Jerusalem in the 1967 war and later annexed it, a move not recognised internationally. Israel claims the city as its undivided capital, while Palestinians seek East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.

What to Note for Exams?

• Israel plans to open an embassy in Fiji in 2026 .

• Fiji opened its embassy in Jerusalem in September .

• Most countries keep embassies in Tel Aviv due to the dispute.

• Papua New Guinea was the first Asia-Pacific nation with an embassy in Jerusalem.

Regional and Global Implications

Israel has said that an embassy in Fiji will enhance its diplomatic reach across the Pacific, a region it views as broadly supportive. Fiji’s engagement with Israel, particularly on Jerusalem, places it among a small but symbolically important group of nations, highlighting the growing global attention on Pacific diplomacy.