Flag in the Holy City: Why Samoa is Moving Its Embassy to Jerusalem

In a significant move that challenges long standing international diplomatic norms, the island nation of Samoa has officially announced its intention to establish a full embassy in Jerusalem by 2026. This development was confirmed following a productive phone conversation between Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Samoan Prime Minister Laʻauli Leuatea Schmidt. For the Israeli government, this decision is far more than a symbolic gesture, it represents a tangible recognition of Jerusalem as the nation's capital and seat of government. Samoa will become the eighth country in the world to maintain a full embassy in the city, joining a small but determined group of nations that includes the United States, Guatemala, and Papua New Guinea.

The decision by Samoa follows a growing trend among Pacific Island nations to align themselves more closely with Israel, often in defiance of broader international pressure. Samoa follows in the footsteps of its regional neighbors, Fiji and Papua New Guinea, which have already established their diplomatic missions in Jerusalem. This Pacific bloc has become a reliable source of support for Israel in the multilateral arena, particularly at the United Nations. Prime Minister Schmidt reportedly framed the decision as a natural extension of Samoa’s pro-Israel posture, having already instructed his foreign affairs officials to begin the logistical preparations for the new mission.

The relationship between Apia and Jerusalem has been quietly deepening for years through practical cooperation rather than just political rhetoric. Much of this work has been facilitated through MASHAV, Israel’s agency for international development, which has provided Samoa with specialized training in agriculture, energy infrastructure, and water technology. Furthermore, the two nations recently ratified a mutual visa-free travel agreement in 2023, making it easier for citizens to build "people to people" ties. Foreign Minister Sa’ar praised the move as a "moral decision" and has officially invited Prime Minister Schmidt to visit Israel to personally advance the preparations for the embassy’s opening.

While the move has faced criticism from some international observers who argue that Jerusalem’s status should only be decided through negotiations, the Israeli message remains steadfast, those who place their embassies in Jerusalem are simply acknowledging a historical and contemporary reality. Beyond the symbolic flag raising, the new embassy is expected to serve as a hub for expanded security and technological collaboration. Fiji, for example, recently signed a memorandum of understanding on cybersecurity with Israel following its own embassy opening, and Samoa is expected to pursue similar lanes of high tech partnership as it prepares to enter this new chapter of its diplomatic history.