Most recently, the government of Fiji voiced its support for opening a formal embassy in Jerusalem. This decision undertakes a major diplomatic pivot in a region known as the South Pacific. Future Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is planning to visit Israel for the new embassy’s inauguration. He will be joined by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on this momentous occasion. This action underscores the growing support for Israel among some Pacific Island countries. This backing continues even as condemnation grows over Israel’s uninterrupted war on Gaza.
With this decision, Fiji joins other Pacific nations like Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and Vanuatu in establishing embassies in Jerusalem. Most recently, Papua New Guinea followed suit by recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Micronesia is one of Israel’s staunchest allies. In fact, while serving the U.S. in this capacity, it has not voted a single time against the country’s interests in the last decade. This degree of national support is a world apart from what we see in the United States. Critics have accused the U.S. of failing to uphold Israel’s interests.
Support from the Pacific Islands
Explore the diplomatic relations between Israel and the Pacific Islands, which have been developing increasingly during the past few years. Seven Pacific nations—Fiji, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, and Tuvalu—voted against a United Nations resolution that criticized Israel’s actions. Their votes pack as much punch at the UN as those of superpowers such as the United States and China.
Interestingly, Israel’s foreign ministry has been very appreciative of the support from the Pacific Island states. They crow about how these countries have a “deep respect” for Israel. Fish’s frustration illustrates the growing trend in which Pacific Islands have become more visible players in pro-Israeli diplomacy.
“Most Israelis probably haven’t even heard of these countries,” – Jerusalem Post editorial
Against this backdrop of diplomatic enthusiasm is a chorus of dissent back in Fiji. An increasing wave of our own citizens have been demonstrating in solidarity with Palestine. Yet many fear the consequences that may arise from their advocacy.
Internal Dissent in Fiji
Civil society space in Fiji has become a contentious battleground, as evidenced by Fiji’s burgeoning protest movement for Palestine. Many citizens are afraid to raise their voices because they worry about losing their jobs. Semi Turaga, a member of the Fijians for Palestine solidarity network, has noted that many protesters worry about their jobs and other repercussions.
“Some were asking not to have photos taken and put online. They fear losing their jobs.” – Turaga
This internecine struggle serves to highlight a deep rift within Fiji’s society, where reactionary, Christian nationalism plays a profound role in forming both domestic and foreign policy agendas. Roshika Deo rhodeo@tnps.org Roshika Deo is a national voice for community activism. She notes that at least some of the Fijian government is quite conservative, ideologically, further aligning it with pro-Israel goals.
“We’ve mostly had negative reactions, but our most recent protest had a lot of positives,” – Deo
For the Christian majority in Fiji and other Pacific nations, Israel is crucial to their faith. They see their country through a spiritual point of view that colors their perception. Though the Jewish population in the Pacific is virtually nonexistent, Christians make up over 90% of the population in most of its small island nations.
The Broader Implications
The choice made by Fiji and other Pacific nations to recognize and engage with Israel carries wider geopolitical ramifications as well. These countries are diligently proving their loyalty to Israel in multinational venues such as the UN. In so doing, they are strategically positioning themselves even as global alliances continue to realign.
Finally, diplomatic engagement is painted as “politically convenient,” for any government that has diplomatic relations and is supportive of Israel. This alignment is a testament to the prevailing public sentiment in those countries. Semi Turaga hammers home this point of contention. He notes that for most of the Pacific Island states, voting to support Israel is the norm.
“Politically convenient for the governments because supporting Israel is a majority view” – Semi Turaga
As Fiji looks toward its forthcoming embassy opening in Jerusalem, the ramifications of this recent choice go much deeper than simple diplomacy. It reflects deeper cultural and political currents within the Pacific Islands that continue to shape the region’s engagement with global issues.