From the Pacific to Jerusalem: The special alliance between Nauru and Israel - opinion

A senior delegation from the Republic of Nauru (Naoero) arrived in Israel this week, led by Vice President and Foreign Affairs, Trade and Justice Minister Lionel Rouwen Aingimea. The delegation included ministers and members of parliament.

At the heart of the visit was a historic event in relations between the two countries: the official opening of Nauru’s embassy in Jerusalem, Israel’s capital.

The occasion marked a significant milestone in diplomatic relations between the two countries.

At first glance, Nauru may appear to be a small and distant country, an island in the heart of the Pacific Ocean. But in relations between nations, the importance of friendship is not measured by population or territory.

For years, Nauru has demonstrated that when Israel needs genuine friends in the international arena, it stands firmly and consistently by its side, sometimes in the face of considerable pressure.

Nauru is one of the smallest countries in the world. It lies in the Pacific Ocean, just south of the equator. Its nearest neighbor is Banaba, an island belonging to Kiribati, about 300 kilometers to the east. The Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau are also located in the region.

Nauru became an independent nation in 1968, and for many years its economy was based primarily on phosphate mining.

For Israel, the story of Nauru is first and foremost one of diplomatic loyalty and a friendship that does not depend on prevailing international opinion.

In UN institutions, where Israel often finds itself facing an automatic and hostile majority, Nauru has traditionally been among the countries that stand by it.

It is regarded as one of Israel’s most consistent supporters at the UN and has also expressed support for Israel in proceedings brought against it before the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

This special relationship has been particularly evident on the issue of Jerusalem. In 2019, Nauru recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, joining a small group of countries willing to take a clear position on the matter.

The Nauruan initiative also has an important Israeli chapter.

During Israel Katz’s tenure as foreign minister, he met with Nauruan Ambassador Marlene Moses during her visit to Israel. At that meeting, a request was made to further strengthen relations and give practical expression to Nauru’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

At the time, Katz was working to expand the circle of countries recognizing Jerusalem and encourage the opening of diplomatic missions in the capital. The years passed, but the idea was never abandoned.

The decisive step came during Sa’ar’s visit to Fiji. There, he met with Aingimea.

The two reached an understanding on opening a Nauruan embassy in Jerusalem. The government of Nauru approved the move, and what had remained a diplomatic aspiration for years has now become a reality.

This policy is driven by the leadership of Nauruan President David Ranibok Adeang, who has demonstrated warm friendship toward the State of Israel.

His support extends beyond words and diplomatic gestures. It is reflected in the positions Nauru takes in international institutions and in its willingness to stand with Israel even when doing so cannot be taken for granted.

In this context, I particularly recall a story that illustrates the nature of this friendship.

At an international conference, a representative of a wealthy Gulf state approached the president of Nauru and asked him to change his country’s policy and end its support for Israel.

The request was accompanied by a suggestion that such a change could bring substantial financial assistance to Nauru.

According to the account brought to my attention, the president’s response was unequivocal in spirit: Nauru’s integrity is not for sale, and Israel will continue to receive its support.

It is difficult to imagine a statement that better captures the meaning of genuine friendship.

In the diplomatic world, where economic interests, political pressure, and shifting alliances often influence votes and positions, there is special significance in a small country declaring that some principles are not for sale.

The opening of Nauru’s embassy in Jerusalem is therefore far more than a ceremonial event. It transforms many years of friendship, trust and diplomatic support into an official and permanent presence in Israel’s capital.

At a time when Israel is facing diplomatic pressure, fierce criticism, and struggles in international forums, it is especially important to recognize countries that do more than issue statements of friendship.

These countries are prepared to vote, act, and stand alongside Israel.

Nauru may be small in territory and population, but in its relationship with Israel it repeatedly demonstrates a simple truth: friendship between nations is not measured by their size, but by their courage to stand together precisely when friendship comes at a price.

The Nauruan flag now flying above its embassy in Jerusalem is a tangible expression of that friendship. It is also a promise of a new and even deeper chapter in relations between the State of Israel and the Republic of Nauru.