❗️Israel reopens Fiji embassy in Pacific influence push – The Cradle
❗️Israel reopens Fiji embassy in Pacific influence push
Israel has officially reopened its embassy in the Fijian capital of Suva after a 30-year closure, marking a strategic push to deepen its influence in the Pacific. Israeli Minister Gideon Saar inaugurated the diplomatic mission today, reciprocating Fiji’s opening of an embassy in occupied Jerusalem last September. The new Suva mission is slated to serve as Israel’s regional diplomatic hub, managing relations with nine other Pacific island nations.
During the inauguration, Israeli officials and Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka hailed the event as the start of a “golden era” in bilateral relations. The two governments signed multiple agreements targeting security cooperation and diplomatic training. Leaders from both sides praised their long history of collaboration dating back to 1970, specifically highlighting ongoing and future joint initiatives in agriculture, water management, and technology.
The diplomatic ceremony took place amid visible domestic friction, as a pro-Palestine protest was staged outside the venue to oppose the deepening ties with Israel, especially amid the genocide in Gaza, attacks on Lebanon, and threats against Iran.
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