Foreign relations of Israel: Difference between revisions

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High priorities in the foreign policy of Israel include seeking an end to hostilities with Arab forces, against which it has fought six wars since 1948, and gaining wide acceptance as a sovereign state with an important international role.

The State of Israel joined the United Nations on May 11, 1949. Today, Israel has diplomatic relations with 161 states. ^[1]

Diplomatic relations

Ever since the Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, the Jewish state has faced problems in its foreign policy. In 1948, Israel was in diplomatic isolation resulting from being boycotted by its Middle Eastern neighbours (see Arab League boycott). As an alternative, the government of Israel began developing ties with distant countries. The Israeli government sought to establish good relations especially with the United States government and the newly independent states in Africa and Asia.

Before 1967, the State of Israel had established diplomatic relations with a majority of the world's nations, except for the Arab states and most other Muslim countries. Following the Madrid Conference of 1991, and as a direct result of the peace process, Israel established or renewed diplomatic relations with 68 countries.

United States

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 to an unusual partnership that links Israel with the United States trying to balance competing interests in the Middle East region.

Arab states

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. ^[2] (See also Israel#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 32 of the 43 Sub-Saharan African states that are not members of the Arab League. Israel established relations with the People's Republic of China and India in 1992. Sino-Israeli and Indo-Israeli relations have blossomed ever since. In 2000, Israel became India's second largest military equipment supplier, with military transactions signed or in the pipeline exceeding 3 billion USD.

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. ^[3]

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. The Saudis have yet to offer full political recognition.

China

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

Japan

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 in Japan for Israeli commodities was rising, relations between the governments were warming up. On November 22, 1973, the Japanese government stated it was reconsidering its relations with the Israeli government due to Israel's retention of lands occupied in 1967, but no break occurred.

Soviet Union and the Eastern Bloc

While the Soviet Union and the communist states of Eastern Europe (except Romania) broke diplomatic relations with Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War, those relations were restored by 1991.

South Africa

There are controversial claims that Israel developed a relationship with South Africa during the 1970s and 1980s. The countries developed a joint arms industry and allegedly shared nuclear technology,^[4] see Vela Incident. Chris McGreal claimed that Israeli military officers served as consultants to the South African army in Angola. ^[5]

Israel often spoke publicly against racism in apartheid South Africa. In March 1987 Israel placed military sanctions on apartheid South Africa and in Septmber 1987 added civilian sanctions. In 1994, a good relationship was formed with the new regime in South Africa.

Iran

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.

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 1949, the State of Israel is a member the United Nations. (See also Israel and the United Nations)

References

^ Israel's Diplomatic Missions Abroad (Israeli MFA)
^ Oman (lonelyplanet.com)
^ Iraq not to establish diplomatic ties with Israel: Allawi (People's Daily) July 27, 2004
^ "RSA Nuclear Weapons Program". Federation of American Scientists.
^ Chris McGreal (2006-02-07). "Brothers in arms - Israel's secret pact with Pretoria". The Guardian. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)

External links

Official Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs website

Notes

[1] Israel's Diplomatic Missions Abroad (Israeli MFA)

[2] Oman (lonelyplanet.com)

[3] Iraq not to establish diplomatic ties with Israel: Allawi (People's Daily) July 27, 2004

[4] "RSA Nuclear Weapons Program". Federation of American Scientists.

[5] Chris McGreal (2006-02-07). "Brothers in arms - Israel's secret pact with Pretoria". The Guardian. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{Politics of Israel}}
-{{cleanup-date|July 2006}}
+High priorities in the '''[[foreign policy]] of [[Israel]]''' include seeking an end to hostilities with Arab forces, against which it has fought six wars since [[1948]], and gaining wide acceptance as a sovereign state with an important international role.
-{{Unreferenced}}
-{| class="infobox" style="text-align: center; font-size:10px;; border:0"
-|{{Politics of Israel}}
-|{{Israelis}}
-|}
-'''[[Foreign relations]] of [[Israel]]''' deals with some of the following issues:
+The State of Israel joined the [[United Nations]] on [[May 11]], [[1949]]. Today, Israel has diplomatic relations with 161 states.
-In addition to seeking an end to hostilities with Arab forces, against which it has fought five wars since [[1948]], Israel has given high priority to gaining wide acceptance as a sovereign state with an important international role. Before [[1967]], it had established diplomatic relations with a majority of the world's nations, except for the Arab states and most other Muslim countries. While the [[Soviet Union]] and the communist states of Eastern Europe (except Romania) broke diplomatic relations with Israel in the [[1967]] [[Six-Day War]], those relations were restored by [[1991]].
+<ref>[http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/about%20the%20ministry/diplomatic%20missions/Israel-s%20Diplomatic%20Missions%20Abroad Israel's Diplomatic Missions Abroad] (Israeli MFA)</ref>
 ==Diplomatic relations==
+[[Image:Foreign relations of Israel.PNG|thumb|400px|right|Diplomatic relations with Israel around the world: {{legend|grey|Relations exist}} {{legend|green|Relations do not exist}}]]
-Ever since the establishment of Israel in 1948, the state has faced problems in its foreign policy. In 1948, Israel was in diplomatic isolation resulting from being boycotted by its Middle Eastern neighbours (see [[Arab League boycott]]). As an alternative, the Israeli government began developing ties with distant countries. The Israeli government sought to establish good relations especially with the U.S. government, and the newly independent states in [[Africa]] and [[Asia]]. On [[January 9]], [[1950]], the Israeli government extended recognition to the [[People's Republic of China]], but diplomatic relations were not established until [[1992]]. 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 in Japan for Israeli commodities was rising, relations between the governments were warming up. On [[November 22]], [[1973]], the Japanese government stated it was reconsidering its relations with the Israeli government due to Israel's retention of lands occupied in [[1967]], but no break occurred.
+Ever since the [[Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel]] in 1948, the [[Jewish state]] has faced problems in its foreign policy. In 1948, Israel was in diplomatic isolation resulting from being boycotted by its [[Middle East]]ern neighbours ''(see [[Economic and political boycotts of Israel#Arab League boycott|Arab League boycott]])''. As an alternative, the government of Israel began developing ties with distant countries. The Israeli government sought to establish good relations especially with the [[United States]] government and the newly independent states in [[Africa]] and [[Asia]].
-Today, Israel has diplomatic relations with 161 states [http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/about%20the%20ministry/diplomatic%20missions/Israel-s%20Diplomatic%20Missions%20Abroad]. Following the [[Madrid Conference of 1991]], and as a direct result of the peace process, Israel established or renewed diplomatic relations with 68 countries.
-Some countries do not recognize Israel, mostly a majority of [[Muslim]] nations in the Middle East and Africa.
+Before [[1967]], the State of Israel had established diplomatic relations with a majority of the world's nations, except for the Arab states and most other [[Muslim]] countries.
+Following the [[Madrid Conference of 1991]], and as a direct result of the [[Peace Process in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict|peace process]], Israel established or renewed diplomatic relations with 68 countries.
-===Arab states===
+==United States==
+{{main|Israel-United States relations}}
-[[Image:Foreign relations of Israel.PNG|thumb|right|400px|Most nations of the world have some form of diplomatic relations with Israel. A minority, mostly consisting of nations with a majority Muslim population (including most Arab nations) do not. Most such countries are hostile to Israel and do not recognize its existence.]]
-Israel now has full diplomatic relations with [[Egypt]], [[Jordan]] 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. [http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/middle-east/oman?v=print]
+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 to an unusual partnership that links Israel with the United States trying to balance competing interests in the Middle East region.
+==Arab states==
+{{main|Arab-Israeli conflict|Arab League and the Arab-Israeli conflict|Projects working for peace among Israelis and Arabs}}
+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. <ref>[http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/middle-east/oman?v=print Oman] (lonelyplanet.com)</ref> ''(See also [[Israel#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 32 of the 43 [[Sub-Saharan Africa]]n states that are not members of the [[Arab League]]. Israel established relations with the [[People's Republic of China]] and [[India]] in 1992. Sino-Israeli and Indo-Israeli relations have blossomed ever since. In [[2000]], Israel became India's second largest military equipment supplier, with military transactions signed or in the pipeline exceeding 3 billion [[USD]].
-Following the [[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. [http://english.people.com.cn/200407/27/eng20040727_150891.html]
+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. <ref>[http://english.people.com.cn/200407/27/eng20040727_150891.html Iraq not to establish diplomatic ties with Israel: Allawi] (People's Daily) July 27, 2004</ref>
 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.  The Saudis have yet to offer full political recognition.
+==China==
-==Relations with South Africa==
+On [[January 9]], [[1950]], the Israeli government extended recognition to the [[People's Republic of China]], but diplomatic relations were not established until [[1992]].
-Controversially, there are claims that Israel developed a relationship with [[apartheid South Africa]] during the 1970s and 80s. The countries developed a joint arms industry and allegedly shared nuclear technology,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/rsa/nuke/ |title=RSA Nuclear Weapons Program |publisher=[[Federation of American Scientists]]}}</ref> see [[Vela Incident]]. It is claimed by [[Chris McGreal]] that Israeli military officers served as consultants to the South African army in [[Angola]]. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,,1704037,00.html |title=Brothers in arms - Israel's secret pact with Pretoria |date=[[2006-02-07]] |author=[[Chris McGreal]] |publisher=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref>
+==Japan==
-On the other hand, Israel often spoke publicly against racism in [[apartheid South Africa]]. In March 1987 Israel placed military sanctions on [[apartheid South Africa]] and in Septmber 1987 added civilian sanctions. This sanction decision helped Israel form a good relationship with the new regime in South Africa in 1994.
+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 in Japan for Israeli commodities was rising, relations between the governments were warming up. On [[November 22]], [[1973]], the Japanese government stated it was reconsidering its relations with the Israeli government due to Israel's retention of lands occupied in [[1967]], but no break occurred.
+==Soviet Union and the Eastern Bloc==
+{{main|Soviet Union and the Arab-Israeli conflict|Russia and the Arab-Israeli conflict}}
+While the [[Soviet Union]] and the [[Eastern Bloc|communist states of Eastern Europe]] (except [[Romania]]) broke diplomatic relations with Israel in the [[1967]] [[Six-Day War]], those relations were restored by [[1991]].
+==South Africa==
+There are controversial claims that Israel developed a relationship with [[South Africa]] during the 1970s and 1980s. The countries developed a joint arms industry and allegedly shared nuclear technology,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/rsa/nuke/ |title=RSA Nuclear Weapons Program |publisher=[[Federation of American Scientists]]}}</ref> see [[Vela Incident]]. [[Chris McGreal]] claimed that Israeli military officers served as consultants to the South African army in [[Angola]]. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,,1704037,00.html |title=Brothers in arms - Israel's secret pact with Pretoria |date=[[2006-02-07]] |author=[[Chris McGreal]] |publisher=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref>
+Israel often spoke publicly against racism in [[apartheid South Africa]]. In March 1987 Israel placed military sanctions on apartheid South Africa and in Septmber 1987 added civilian sanctions. In 1994, a good relationship was formed with the new regime in South Africa.
+==Iran==
+{{main|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.
 ==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]]. On [[May 11]], [[1949]], the State of Israel joined the [[United Nations]].
+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 1949, the State of Israel is a member the [[United Nations]]. ''(See also [[Israel and the United Nations]])''
+==References==
+<div class=
+"references-small">
+<references/></div>
 ==See also==
 *[[Israel]]
-*[[AIPAC]]
+*[[History of Israel]]
-*[[Iran-Israel relations]]
-*[[Israel-United States relations]]
 ===Arab-Israeli peace diplomacy and treaties===