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Israel to Open Embassy in Fiji
While many around the world have shied away from ties with Israel, some international friends have stayed strong. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced that Israel will open a new embassy in Fiji, which will be the most distant embassy in the world.
Israel will open an embassy in Fiji in 2026, marking a significant expansion of its diplomatic presence in the Pacific and the establishment of what will become Israel’s most geographically distant embassy.
The decision was announced following a phone call between Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Fijian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. The two last met in September, when Rabuka traveled to Jerusalem to inaugurate Fiji’s embassy in Israel, a move that underscored the close relationship between the two countries.
During the conversation, Rabuka reiterated Fiji’s long-standing support for Israel, particularly in international forums. “We will always be with you,” he told his Israeli counterpart, according to the statement. Fiji has consistently backed Israel in United Nations votes, placing it among Israel’s most reliable partners in the Pacific region.
Israeli officials said the opening of the embassy will deepen bilateral ties and further develop cooperation in a range of areas, including economic development, trade, security cooperation, agriculture, and climate resilience. Fiji, like many Pacific island nations, faces significant environmental and infrastructure challenges, areas in which Israel has sought to expand its international development footprint through technology transfer and expertise.
Beyond bilateral relations, the embassy is intended to serve as a strategic hub for Israel’s engagement with the broader Pacific. Israeli officials view the region as generally friendly and increasingly important amid shifting global alignments. A permanent diplomatic presence in Fiji is expected to facilitate closer ties with other island states across Oceania, many of which have limited direct contact with Israel.
The new embassy also carries symbolic and practical significance. With Fiji located thousands of kilometers from Israel, the mission will be Israel’s farthest from Jerusalem, reflecting a deliberate effort to project diplomatic reach well beyond traditional spheres. Officials have also pointed to potential long-term benefits in tourism, noting growing interest in Israel among Pacific nations and the possibility of increased travel, cultural exchange, and people-to-people ties once a resident embassy is established.
Fiji’s embassy in Jerusalem, opened earlier this year, was seen in Israel as a diplomatic milestone, particularly at a time when many countries remain hesitant to place missions in the capital. The reciprocal move is designed to reinforce that gesture and signal Israel’s commitment to the relationship.
Israeli officials said preparations for the embassy are already underway, with staffing and logistical planning expected to continue through 2025 ahead of the planned opening the following year.