New Jerusalem Embassy
Nauru opens its first embassy in Jerusalem, becoming the ninth country to take the step.
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Key Points
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Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said Nauru votes with Israel at the United Nations 71% of the time, adding that he expects the figure to “rise in the very near future.”
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Nauru’s foreign minister said the decision to open the embassy was an “easy decision” reached after discussions with Sa’ar in Fiji and endorsed by Nauru’s Cabinet.
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Sa’ar linked Nauru’s indigenous name, Naoero, to Jewish history, saying, “we, too, are the indigenous people of this land” and that “Jews are called Jews because we are from Judea.”
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The countries maintaining embassies in Jerusalem are the United States, Fiji, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay and Somaliland; Argentina and Colombia have also pledged to relocate their embassies there.
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The United States’ decision under current President Donald Trump during his first term to move its embassy to Jerusalem helped set a precedent for other countries, while most states still place their embassies in Tel Aviv and often maintain smaller consulates in Jerusalem.
Nauru, a tiny Pacific island nation, opened its first embassy in Jerusalem on Wednesday, becoming the ninth country to maintain a diplomatic mission in Israel's capital. Al Jazeera reported that Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar called the move evidence of strengthening ties with Pacific nations, while Nauruan Foreign Minister Lionel Aingimea described it as an "easy decision" that signals his country's consistent support for Israel.
Sa'ar disclosed that Nauru votes with Israel at the United Nations 71% of the time and predicted the figure would "rise in the very near future." The Yeshiva World reported that Israel plans to provide Nauru with medical equipment and water-purification systems through its international development program as part of the diplomatic partnership.
Jerusalem Embassy Becomes Diplomatic Prize for Israel
Only nine countries now maintain embassies in Jerusalem: the United States, Fiji, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, and Somaliland. Al Jazeera noted that most nations with ties to Israel keep their embassies in or near Tel Aviv instead. Argentina and Colombia have pledged to move their embassies to Jerusalem soon, signaling growing momentum.
Trump's 2017 Decision Set the Pattern
The United States' choice under President Donald Trump to relocate its embassy to Jerusalem during his first term opened the door for other countries to follow. Middle East Monitor reported that Nauru's move came "in violation of international resolutions," reflecting a broader shift in diplomatic strategy that prioritizes direct ties with Israel over traditional international consensus.
Sa'ar drew a striking historical parallel during the announcement, linking Nauru's indigenous name, Naoero, to Jewish history. He stated, "we, too, are the indigenous people of this land" and explained that "Jews are called Jews because we are from Judea," framing Israel's position as rooted in ancient indigenous claims.
Palestinian Government Condemns the Embassy Move
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Nauru's decision immediately. QNA reported that Palestinian officials called the embassy opening "an assault on the Palestinian people." Democrata added that Palestine labeled it a "flagrant violation of International Law," emphasizing that the move undermines Palestinian sovereignty and diplomatic efforts.
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