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Israel, the UK and the world

Key background
  • The UK and Israel share a strong relationship, built on historical, economic, and diplomatic ties. Both nations collaborate closely in trade, science, technology, and defence, with the UK being a key partner to Israel. The UK supports Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state. Scientific progress, academic partnerships, and shared values of democracy further strengthen the bond.
  • Israel maintains diplomatic ties with 165 of the other 192 UN member states.
  • Israel maintains full diplomatic relations with two of its Arab neighbours, Egypt and Jordan, after signing peace treaties with the former in 1979, and the latter, 1994.
  • In 2020, supported by the US, Israel signed the Abraham Accords agreements establishing diplomatic relations with Bahrain, the UAE and Morocco.

Updated October 21, 2024

Netanyahu announces Security Cabinet

Following the swearing in of the new government last week, yesterday Prime Minister Netanyahu announced the makeup of the Security Cabinet.

  • Netanyahu will chair the committee. The other members will be:
    • Defence Minister, Yoav Galant, Likud
    • Justice Minister, Yariv Levin, Likud
    • Foreign Minister, Eli Cohen, Likud
    • Interior Minister and Health Minister, Aryeh Deri, Shas
    • National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Jewish Power
    • Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, Religious Zionists
    • Strategic Affairs Minister, Ron Dermer
    • Transportation Minister, Miri Regev, Likud
    • Energy Minister, Yisrael Katz, Likud
    • Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Avi Dichter, Likud

Foreign Minister Eli Cohen began his tenure with a handover meeting with former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid.

  • Cohen also began engaging with foreign leaders, speaking to UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed and with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.  According to the Times of Israel the latter asked Cohen to pass a message onto Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov when the pair spoke later in the day, but did not reveal the content of the message.
  • Defence Minister Gallant announced the appointment Maj. Gen. (res.) Eyal Zamir as the new director general of the ministry. Zamir, the former IDF deputy Chief of Staff also previously served as Netanyahu’s military secretary and recently missed out on the top IDF position when former Defence Minister Gantz appointed Maj. Gen. Herzi Halevi instead.

In parallel: There was widespread international condemnation of Minister Ben Gvir’s visit to the Temple Mount yesterday.

  • Unlike in the past, when Ben Gvir has been accompanied by journalists and fanfare, this time he entered the compound early in the morning, discreetly through a side entrance, with the whole visit lasting less than 15 minutes.
  • The visit was coordinated with Netanyahu and the police and followed consultations with the wider security establishment.
  • The visit coincided with the tenth of Tevet, a fast day to commemorate the Babylonian siege and eventual destruction of the First Temple.
  • Following the visit, Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated his long standing commitment to “strictly maintaining the status quo, without changes, on the Temple Mount,” whereby it is permitted for non-Muslims to visit the site but not to conduct prayer services.  (For more reactions to the visit see media summary below).
  • Last night a single rocket was fired towards Israel. The rocket fell short and landed in an open field inside the Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu carefully weighted the security cabinet, ensuring a majority for moderate loyalists.

  • In addition, he has also appointed long term ally Tzachi Hanegbi (who did not reach a realistic spot in the Likud primaries) to serve as his National Security Adviser.
  • It is rare for an Israeli political leader to produce an heir, let alone two; credit to former Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon who retired from politics two years ago. He brought both the current defence and foreign ministers into politics in his Kulanu Party, before re-joining the Likud.
  • Foreign Minister Cohen served as minister for intelligence in the last Netanyahu government, playing a key role in reaching the normalisation agreement with Sudan.
  • Since the government was sworn in, Netanyahu has also spoken to an array of regional leaders including Egyptian President Sisi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whom Netanyahu intends to visit soon.
  • There is concern that Netanyahu’s priority of strengthening regional alliances and expanding the Abraham Accords will be jeopardised by Ben Gvir’s actions.

Tomorrow the UN Security Council is expected to convene at the behest of the UAE, on behalf of Jordan and the Palestinian Authority to discuss the situation on the Temple Mount.

  • Foreign Minister Cohen hopes to continue the momentum of the Negev Forum, inaugurated last year in Sde Boker, which included the foreign ministers of Israel, Egypt, UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and the US. They are planning to convene in Morocco in March.

December 7, 2022

Herzog formally received in Bahrain

What happened in Bahrain: President Herzog was formally received on a State Visit by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

  • On departure Herzog framed the trip as “a visit of peace….bringing and delivering a message of peace is another step toward the inclusion of Israel in the region built on cooperation for the wellbeing of the nations of the region. Inshallah, we will bring another step toward peace.”
  • In their meeting, President Herzog and King Hamad discussed the importance that their countries attach to their bilateral relationship and the expansion of Israeli-Bahraini cooperation.
  • Herzog told him, “You are at the forefront of making history in the region, where Jews and Muslims can dwell together, the sons of Abraham, and move forward in peace. It is a long process, but we can dream of it and we can see it. Our nations joined the path of peace and the Kingdom of Bahrain is really one of the pioneers in this process, joining other nations that are pursuing peace together for the benefit and wellbeing of our peoples and the nations in the region and the world at large.”
  • King Hamad said, “we are confident that this visit has an important role in consolidating relations between our two countries,” and to witness the “spirit of friendliness, tolerance and peaceful coexistence among the members of our honourable society of all religions and races, reaffirming our belief in the values of peace, brotherhood and cooperation among human beings.”
  • President Isaac Herzog also met with representatives of the Jewish community of Bahrain, which included Houda Nonoo, former Bahraini ambassador to the US.
  • To coincide with the visit Herzog wrote an op-ed in the Bahraini media. Having signed the Abraham Accords two years ago Herzog wrote, the task is now “making sure the benefits of regional friendly relations reach each and every Israeli and Bahraini.” He cited direct flights, a free trade agreement, and “envisions a future of student exchanges, of joint projects between youth, of collaborative ventures between universities—not only between Israel and Bahrain, but with our broader region.”
  • He highlighted the climate crisis “in which our small countries can and must punch above our weight.” He added, “our mission is to create a Renewable Middle East: a regional ecosystem of sustainable peace, in which we all join forces to provide common solutions to our common challenges. Southern Israel is already powered 100% by solar energy in the daytime, and when you open the faucet in much of our land, the water you drink is all desalinated. We want to scale up these solutions with our new friends, using our respective advantages to bring clean water and clean energy to Europe, Asia, and Africa.”
  • In Abu Dhabi: President Herzog delivered a keynote speech at the Abu Dhabi Space Debate.
  • In his speech the President noted, “I am proud of Israel’s close cooperation with NASA, the European Space Agency, and our counterparts in France, Italy, Germany, Japan, Brazil, and many other countries. But I am especially proud of our evolving space partnership with the United Arab Emirates. Our two countries are boldly leading our region toward new frontiers in space and leaving our mark on history.”
  • He highlighted the importance of transnational partnerships but also in education. He noted, “In Israel, we have introduced the TEVEL program, which is already working with high school students from across the country, Jews and Arabs alike. They are building, testing, and launching nanosatellites into space, and then using them to gather data and conduct experiments. Israel invites all the countries here to work with us to expand this program regionally and internationally. Together, we will harness the collective creativity, genius and wonder of our youth. And I would like to invite all of you to partake in this incredible venture.”
  • Herzog also had a meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed in his private home.
  • President bin Zayed said: “Thank you very much, Mr. President, for coming back again to your second home. It really means a lot to us. This is a new relationship, and we are trying to build a very strong bridge between our two countries, and I think we have built a very strong bridge that we are both proud of. The Abraham Accords are achieving their goals, so we are very proud.”
  • This was the first official visit of an Israeli president to Bahrain. However both former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid (while serving as foreign minister) have visited before.
  • This was the fifth meeting between Herzog and bin Zayed, since meeting last year they have kept in touch, including several telephone calls.
  • The Jewish community in Manama immigrated in the early 1880s, mostly from Iraq, Iran, and Kuwait.
  • Trade between Israel and the UAE is growing at an impressive rate. According to the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics, Israeli imports from the UAE grew from $551m in 2021 to $1,398m this year. Israeli exports rose from $272m last year to $430m in 2022.
  • Beyond economic relations, there is also emerging security cooperation. Israeli media reported last month that two Israeli Barak air defence systems have been deployed in the UAE to defend against a range of aerial threats emanating from Iran.
  • As the signatory of the Abraham Accords two years ago, Designated Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to visit Bahrain and the UAE on his first diplomatic trip abroad.
  • Israel and Bahrain hope to complete a free trade agreement before the end of the year.

December 7, 2022

Herzog in Bahrain

What happened in Bahrain: President Herzog was formally received on a State Visit by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in Bahrain.

  • On departure Herzog framed the trip as “a visit of peace….bringing and delivering a message of peace is another step toward the inclusion of Israel in the region built on cooperation for the wellbeing of the nations of the region. Inshallah, we will bring another step toward peace.”
  • In their meeting, President Herzog and King Hamad discussed the importance that their countries attach to their bilateral relationship and the expansion of Israeli-Bahraini cooperation.
  • Herzog told him, “You are at the forefront of making history in the region, where Jews and Muslims can dwell together, the sons of Abraham, and move forward in peace. It is a long process, but we can dream of it and we can see it. Our nations joined the path of peace and the Kingdom of Bahrain is really one of the pioneers in this process, joining other nations that are pursuing peace together for the benefit and wellbeing of our peoples and the nations in the region and the world at large.”
  • King Hamad said, “we are confident that this visit has an important role in consolidating relations between our two countries,” and to witness the “spirit of friendliness, tolerance and peaceful coexistence among the members of our honourable society of all religions and races, reaffirming our belief in the values of peace, brotherhood and cooperation among human beings.”
  • President Isaac Herzog also met with representatives of the Jewish community of Bahrain, which included Houda Nonoo, former Bahraini ambassador to the US.
  • To coincide with the visit Herzog wrote an op-ed in the Bahraini media. Having signed the Abraham Accords two years ago Herzog wrote, the task is now “making sure the benefits of regional friendly relations reach each and every Israeli and Bahraini.” He cited direct flights, a free trade agreement, and “envisions a future of student exchanges, of joint projects between youth, of collaborative ventures between universities—not only between Israel and Bahrain, but with our broader region.”
  • He highlighted the climate crisis “in which our small countries can and must punch above our weight.” He added, “our mission is to create a Renewable Middle East: a regional ecosystem of sustainable peace, in which we all join forces to provide common solutions to our common challenges. Southern Israel is already powered 100% by solar energy in the daytime, and when you open the faucet in much of our land, the water you drink is all desalinated. We want to scale up these solutions with our new friends, using our respective advantages to bring clean water and clean energy to Europe, Asia, and Africa.”

In Abu Dhabi: President Herzog delivered a keynote speech at the Abu Dhabi Space Debate.

  • In his speech the President noted, “I am proud of Israel’s close cooperation with NASA, the European Space Agency, and our counterparts in France, Italy, Germany, Japan, Brazil, and many other countries. But I am especially proud of our evolving space partnership with the United Arab Emirates. Our two countries are boldly leading our region toward new frontiers in space and leaving our mark on history.”
  • He highlighted the importance of transnational partnerships but also in education. He noted, “In Israel, we have introduced the TEVEL program, which is already working with high school students from across the country, Jews and Arabs alike. They are building, testing, and launching nanosatellites into space, and then using them to gather data and conduct experiments. Israel invites all the countries here to work with us to expand this program regionally and internationally. Together, we will harness the collective creativity, genius and wonder of our youth. And I would like to invite all of you to partake in this incredible venture.”
  • Herzog also had a meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed in his private home.
  • President bin Zayed said: “Thank you very much, Mr. President, for coming back again to your second home. It really means a lot to us. This is a new relationship, and we are trying to build a very strong bridge between our two countries, and I think we have built a very strong bridge that we are both proud of. The Abraham Accords are achieving their goals, so we are very proud.”

Israel in the WorldContext: This was the first official visit of an Israeli president to Bahrain. However both former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid (while serving as foreign minister) have visited before.

  • This was the fifth meeting between Herzog and bin Zayed, since meeting last year they have kept in touch, including several telephone calls.
  • The Jewish community in Manama immigrated in the early 1880s, mostly from Iraq, Iran, and Kuwait.
  • Trade between Israel and the UAE is growing at an impressive rate. According to the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics, Israeli imports from the UAE grew from $551m in 2021 to $1,398m this year. Israeli exports rose from $272m last year to $430m in 2022.
  • Beyond economic relations, there is also emerging security cooperation. Israeli media reported last month that two Israeli Barak air defence systems have been deployed in the UAE to defend against a range of aerial threats emanating from Iran.

Looking forward: As the signatory of the Abraham Accords two years ago, Designated Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to visit Bahrain and the UAE on his first diplomatic trip abroad.

  • Israel and Bahrain hope to complete a free trade agreement before the end of the year.

June 17, 2022

Israel, Egypt and the European Union to cooperate on natural gas

BICOM News
BICOM News

What happened: On Wednesday Israel’s Energy Minister Karin Elharar signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Israel, Egypt and the EU to cooperate on the sale, transportation and export of natural gas to EU countries.

  • Minister Elharrar said: “This is a tremendous moment in which little Israel becomes a significant player.”
  • Energy Ministry Director General Lior Shilat explained, “A pipeline exists between Israel and Egypt, and in the framework of the previous agreement to increase the supply to Egypt, (the pipeline) is being enlarged … the most efficient process is to funnel the gas to Egypt, which has two liquefying facilities. From Egypt, it will be shipped by boat to Europe.”
  • The deal will also allow EU countries the rights to in turn sell off any excess gas.

Alternative to Russia: Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, visited Jerusalem and Cairo this week. She wrote on twitter that the MOU “will contribute to our energy security. And we are building infrastructure fit for renewables — the energy of the future”.

  • Earlier with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett she explained, “With the beginning of this war and the attempt of Russia to blackmail us through energy, by deliberately cutting off the energy supplies, we decided to cut off and to get rid of the dependency on Russian fossil fuels, and to move away from Russia and diversify to trustworthy suppliers. It is an outstanding step bringing our energy cooperation to the next level.”
  • Israel produces between 10-15 billion cubic meters of natural gas a year. However, after taking domestic use into consideration, only a fraction of the natural gas is exported to Egypt, and smaller number will eventually find its way to the EU at the initial stage.
  • Israel aspires to double its capacity, which in turn will allow for an increase in export to Egypt and the EU.
  • This figure would still be dwarfed by the scale of Russian supply to the eu. For comparison, last year the EU imported 150 billion cubic meters of natural gas from Russia, representing around 40  per cent of overall EU usage.

Israel-Lebanon maritime border: Two weeks ago, the UK based energy company Energean docked a floating rig in Israel’s Karish offshore gas field, 80 km from Israel’s northern coast.

  • The gas field is in water internationally recognised as part of Israel’s economic zone. Nevertheless, its presence sparked threats from Lebanese leaders, including Hezbollah leader Hasan Nasrallah who claimed that the field belongs to Lebanon and threatened to target Israeli gas drilling rigs in the Eastern Mediterranean.
  • Lebanese Prime Minister Mikati warned: “The positioning of the rig represents an invasion into the economic waters by the enemy Israel. This is a grave and dangerous step that might ignite tension for which the repercussions cannot be predicted.”
  • This more extreme Lebanese position extends their claims south and contradicts their previous negotiating position on where its southern maritime border lies.
  • In an unusual development, last week Israel’s Foreign, Defence and Energy Ministers issued a joint statement saying, “With its anchoring, the rig is located in Israeli territory, several km south of the area over which negotiations are being conducted between the State of Israel and the State of Lebanon, mediated by the United States. The rig will not pump gas from the disputed territory.”
  • This week the US deployed State Department energy envoy Amos Hochstein to Beirut. He met with the Lebanese leaders, who thereafter conceded their maximalist claims.
  • Hochstein said afterwards, “I heard a clear understanding that the economic crisis in Lebanon that is closely tied with the energy crisis needs to be solved and resolving the maritime dispute is a critical step to resolving the economic crisis.”
  • Energy Minister Elharrar connected the pumping gas from Karish to the ability to increase Israeli gas exports to Egypt and Jordan and the EU.

Looking ahead: The MOU will be automatically renewed after three years, with the intention to extend the agreement for at least ten years.

  • Like previous US administrations, the Biden team is keen to renew Israel-Lebanese maritime mediation after the sides broke off indirect talks two years ago. In a statement this week the US State Department: “Welcomes the consultative and open spirit of the parties to reach a final decision, which has the potential to yield greater stability, security, and prosperity for both Lebanon and Israel, as well as for the region.”

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