Copyright australianjewishnews
While global attention is focused on the potential for ending the Gaza war, there’s a refreshingly serious conversation now opening up about the possibility for Israel’s engagement in the broader Indo-Pacific. Last month Israel’s deputy foreign minister Sharren Haskel visited PNG and Fiji, sending a strong message about Israel’s commitment to strengthening ties. Both island states have recently established embassies in Jerusalem. There are increased discussions focused on Israel deepening collaboration with the islands in water management, agricultural innovation, public health, renewable energy and technological development. Fiji just signed an MoU with Israel addressing cyber threats. “It was really incredible seeing all the love and support that we are receiving from these countries, not just from the government level but also from the people-to-people level,” Haskel said. Fiji has a long tradition of sending peacekeepers across the Middle East. Fiji, PNG and Tonga with their armed forces could contribute to an Oceania contingent, along with Australia, to the International Stabilisation Force in Gaza. Israel could have a big role in advancing ocean technology and development, the so-called blue economy in the Indo-Pacific. The Israeli government earmarked ocean technology as a priority for research and development in September 2022. Opportunity exists to work with partners such as the UAE, Japan and Singapore to support the blue economy from the Pacific Islands to the Indian Ocean. India is encouraging other countries to join the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative (IPOI) to enhance regional maritime security. There’s a work pillar on trade, connectivity and transport led by Japan that Israel could contribute to. Another area where Israel could play a role is enhancing the security of the digital arteries of the Indo-Pacific, submarine cables. The Blue Cable System connects Italy, Greece and Israel. The Raman Cable System connects Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman and India. The India-ME-Europe corridor is strategically important to the US. President Donald Trump said it was “one of the greatest trade routes in all of history. It will run from India to Israel to Italy and onward to the US, connecting our partners, roads, railways and undersea cables, many, many, undersea cables.” Israel should support efforts to reinforce submarine cable resilience, centred on actions ranging from increased cooperation to technical advancements.
