Editing Foreign relations of Israel (section)

== Europe ==
{{See also|Israel–European Union relations}}

=== Albania ===
{{Main|Albania–Israel relations}}

Israel and Albania established diplomatic relations on 20 August 1991. Albania had previously recognized Israel as a state since 1949.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CE0DC1338F933A1575BC0A967958260 |work=The New York Times |title=Albania and Israel in Accord To Establish Diplomatic Ties |date=20 August 1991}}</ref> Albania has an embassy in [[Tel Aviv]] and Israel also has an embassy in [[Tirana]].

=== Armenia ===
{{Main|Armenia–Israel relations}}

Since independence, [[Armenia]] has received support from Israel and today remains one of its major trade partners. Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 April 1992. Israel maintains a consulate in [[Yerevan]], while Armenia has an embassy in Tel-Aviv and an honorary consulate in Jerusalem.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en.armradio.am/2020/09/18/armenias-embassy-officially-opens-in-israel/|title=Armenian Embassy officially opens in Israel}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mfa.am/en/consulates/il|title=Israel – Consulates|website=www.mfa.am}}</ref> Israel has recognized 10 Armenians as [[Righteous Among the Nations]] for risking their lives to save Jews during the [[Holocaust]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ncsj.org/Armenia.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522051120/http://www.ncsj.org/Armenia.shtml|title=Advocates on Behalf of Jews in Russia, Ukraine, the Baltic States, and Eurasia: Armenia and Jews|archive-date=22 May 2012}}</ref>

=== Austria ===
{{Main|Austria–Israel relations}}

Austria recognized Israel on 5 March 1949. Austria has an embassy in [[Tel Aviv]] and 3 honorary consulates (in [[Eilat]], [[Haifa]] and [[Jerusalem]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bmeia.gv.at/en/embassy/tel-aviv.html |title=Austrian embassy in Tel Aviv |publisher=Bmeia.gv.at}}</ref> Israel has an embassy in [[Vienna]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://vienna.mfa.gov.il/ |title=Israeli embassy in Vienna (in German only) |publisher=Vienna.mfa.gov.il |date=26 March 2012}}</ref> Both countries are full members of the [[Union for the Mediterranean]]. The Austrian Foreign Ministry lists the bilateral treaties with Israel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bmeia.gv.at/aussenministerium/aussenpolitik/voelkerrecht/staatsvertraege/bilaterale-staatsvertraege.html?dv_staat=67&mode=country&submit=1&vb_vp_id=68&cHash=1d290fb610|title=www.bmeia.gv.at|publisher=bmeia.gv.at|language=de|access-date=11 January 2011|archive-date=20 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220092413/http://www.bmeia.gv.at/aussenministerium/aussenpolitik/voelkerrecht/staatsvertraege/bilaterale-staatsvertraege.html?dv_staat=67&mode=country&submit=1&vb_vp_id=68&cHash=1d290fb610|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Azerbaijan ===
{{Main|Azerbaijan–Israel relations}}

Azerbaijani–Israeli relations are good, and Israel has an embassy in Baku. In May 1999, the U.S.-Azerbaijan Council sponsored a seminar to discuss relations among Azeris, Jews, and Israel. In April 2000, an Israeli trade delegation visited Baku to discuss ways of strengthening bilateral economic relations.

The Azerbaijan–Israel Friendship Society facilitates and promotes bilateral diplomatic and business links. In October 2001, President Aliyev pledged to open an embassy in Israel and send his Foreign Minister to visit the country. Although neither has occurred, Azerbaijani–Israeli strategic cooperation continues to grow.

For many years, Azerbaijan has maintained high rates of immigration to Israel due to the economic and political situation in the country. In 2002, 475 Jews made [[aliyah]] and 111 immigrated to the United States. The Azeri government gets regular updates from Israel regarding Azeri Jews in Israel, who are plagued by unemployment, crime, and other social issues as new immigrants in Israel.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/vjw/Azerbaijan.html#ir |title=The Virtual Jewish History Tour&nbsp;– Azerbaijan |publisher=Jewishvirtuallibrary.org}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=May 2022}}

=== Belarus ===
{{Main|Belarus–Israel relations}}
Israel established relations with Belarus in 1992 and continue to maintain friendly relations. In April 2000, Belarus and Israel signed an agreement on trade, science, culture, and education. The two countries also formed a joint committee to improve relations between the two nations. Belarus has an embassy in Tel Aviv and Israel has an embassy in Minsk.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.belembassy.co.il/index.php?ln=en |title=Belarusian embassy in Israel |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091101184334/http://belembassy.co.il/index.php?ln=en |archive-date=1 November 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Sherut/IsraeliAbroad/Continents/Europe/Belarus/ |title=2BackToHomePage3|access-date=21 February 2015}}</ref> The two countries have also discussed implementing a visa-free regime between the two countries. Belarus Foreign Minister [[Vladimir Makei]] continues to satisfied with the relations between the two countries and also expressed hope for new opportunities to facilitate further all-round cooperation with Israel in conjunction with fostering progressive development with the Jewish state. Both nations celebrated its 20th anniversary in December 2012. Bilateral cooperation has since then encapsulated tourism, culture, trade, economy, science, education and other fields.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stampnews.com/stamps/stamps_2012/stamp_1355941072_45597.html |title=Anniversary of establishment of Belarus-Israel diplomatic relations stamp |date=19 December 2012 |access-date=22 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426215640/http://www.stampnews.com/stamps/stamps_2012/stamp_1355941072_45597.html |archive-date=26 April 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2013, Belarusian Vice Premier Mikhail Rusyi met top Israeli officials from the Belarusian Agriculture and Food Ministry, the State Committee for Science and Technology, Belarusbank and the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee to further facilitate economic cooperation as well as development of innovative technologies into the Belarusian agricultural sector.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.belta.by/en/news/politics?id=728869 |title=Makei hails momentum in Belarus-Israel relations |publisher=Belarusian Telegraphic Agency |date=9 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426232250/http://news.belta.by/en/news/politics?id=728869 |archive-date=26 April 2014 |access-date=30 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://belarusdigest.com/story/belarus-israel-secret-affairs-7684 |title=Belarus-Israel Secret Affairs |publisher=Belarus Digest |date=8 February 2012 |access-date=22 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426232439/http://belarusdigest.com/story/belarus-israel-secret-affairs-7684 |archive-date=26 April 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://naviny.by/rubrics/english/2013/05/27/ic_news_259_417609/ |title=Belarus invites Israel to sign agreement on short-term visa-free travel |publisher=Naviny |access-date=22 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426232719/http://naviny.by/rubrics/english/2013/05/27/ic_news_259_417609/ |archive-date=26 April 2014}}</ref>

=== Belgium ===
{{Main|Belgium–Israel relations}}

=== Bosnia and Herzegovina ===
Israel and Bosnia and Herzegovina established diplomatic relations in 1997.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://mfa.gov.il/MFA/PressRoom/1997/Pages/Israel%20and%20Bosnia-Hercegovina%20Establish%20Diplomatic.aspx |title=Archived copy |access-date=12 July 2018 |archive-date=12 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712183146/http://mfa.gov.il/MFA/PressRoom/1997/Pages/Israel%20and%20Bosnia-Hercegovina%20Establish%20Diplomatic.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Bulgaria ===
Israel and Bulgaria have strong ties. Bulgaria [[The Holocaust in Bulgaria|saved]] the majority of its Jews during [[World War II]] — 48,000 were rescued, 11,343 were deported.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://shalompr.org/blagodarstveno-pismo-ot-shimon-peres |title=Президентът на Държавата Израел Шимон Перес благодари на българската еврейска общност |publisher=Shalompr.org}}</ref><ref>[https://www.timesofisrael.com/why-bulgarian-jews-skipped-an-official-ceremony-marking-their-rescue-from-the-nazis/ Why Bulgarian Jews skipped an official ceremony marking their rescue from the Nazis] — article in Times of Israel</ref> Israel and Bulgaria established diplomatic relations in 1948. After the Six-Day War Bulgaria cut diplomatic ties with Israel. In 1988, Bulgaria joined the wave of first nations to recognise the [[State of Palestine]], something it has never withdrawn. In 1990 diplomatic relations were renewed. Bulgaria has an embassy in Tel Aviv and Israel has an embassy in [[Sofia]] and honorary consul in [[Varna, Bulgaria|Varna]].<ref>[http://www.mfa.bg/en/118/pages/view/2670] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120902085333/http://www.mfa.bg/en/118/pages/view/2670|date=2 September 2012}}</ref>

In January 2012, Israel and Bulgaria signed two memorandum of understanding, one was for joint military training exercises and one for cooperation in the defence sector. The two agreements were signed by Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Bulgarian Defense Minister [[Anyu Angelov]]. Minister Angelov said the two agreements, in addition to their economic and defense benefits, also "bring a political message – Bulgaria and Israel are a step closer towards stronger cooperation and a strategic dialogue." After the 2012 Burga bus bombing, Bulgaria and Israel pledged to increase security relations between the two countries discussing various aspects of bilateral cooperation at a meeting at the Ministry of Interior between Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Tsvetlin Iochev and Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister, Avigdor Leiberman in November 2013. An international investigation led by Bulgaria has established was the work of people linked with the bombing to the military wing of Hezbollah where five Israeli tourists and a Bulgarian citizen died.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.standartnews.com/english/read/security_is_top_priority_in_bulgariaisrael_relations_-3106.html |title=Security is top priority in Bulgaria-Israel relations Копирано от standartnews.com |publisher=Стандарт Нюз |access-date=2 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407074352/http://www.standartnews.com/english/read/security_is_top_priority_in_bulgariaisrael_relations_-3106.html |archive-date=7 April 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://sofiaglobe.com/2014/03/27/economic-ties-security-on-agenda-as-israeli-foreign-minister-lieberman-visits-bulgaria/ |title=Economic ties, security on agenda as Israeli foreign minister Lieberman visits Bulgaria |publisher=The Sofia Globe |access-date=2 April 2014 |date=27 March 2014}}</ref>

The governments of both countries also intend to cooperate in the high-tech sector, the communications sector, health care and agriculture and to continue the positive development of tourism between the two countries and energy resource divestment. Israel also intends to join with Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece and Romania to launch a regional group for crisis response which will boost the partnership between these countries in cases of common security challenges as result of a March 2014 meeting between [[Avigdor Lieberman]] and Bulgarian Interior Minister Tsvetlin Yovchev.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bnr.bg/en/post/100380953/relations-between-bulgaria-and-israel-enter-new-phase |title=Relations between Bulgaria and Israel enter new phase |publisher=Radio Bulgaria |access-date=2 April 2014}}</ref>

=== Croatia ===
{{Main|Croatia–Israel relations}}
[[File:Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović with Reuven Rivlin (2).jpg|thumb|Croatian president [[Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović]] with Israeli president [[Reuven Rivlin]], July 2015]]
While Croatia was part of the [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia|Yugoslavia Federation]] (1943–1991) it established diplomatic relations with Israel in year 1948 through the Federation, but after Israel attacked Yugoslavia's [[Non-Aligned Movement]] ally [[Egypt]] in the [[Six-Day War]] in 1967, Yugoslavia severed all diplomatic relations with Israel. After the [[breakup of Yugoslavia]] occurred as a result of a series of political upheavals and conflicts Croatia declared independence on 8 October 1991 and officially renewed its bilateral relations with Israel which recognized Croatia as an independent state on 16 April 1992, but due to some disagreements with the Croatian President [[Franjo Tuđman|Tuđman]] full diplomatic relations were established 5 years later, on 4 September 1997. Since then relations between Croatia and Israel have been excellent. Croatia has an embassy in [[Tel Aviv]] and 4 honorary consulates (in [[Ashdod]], [[Caesarea (modern town)|Caesarea]], [[Jerusalem]] and [[Kfar Shmaryahu]]). Israel has an embassy in [[Zagreb]]. In addition, Croatia does not recognize the [[State of Palestine]].

=== Cyprus ===
{{Main|Cyprus–Israel relations}}

[[File:Rabbi Arie Zeev Raskin meets the President of Cyprus Mr. Dimitris Christofias.jpg|thumb|Chief Rabbi of Cyprus, [[Arie Zeev Raskin]], meets the Cypriot President, [[Demetris Christofias]].]]
Israel has had diplomatic relations with Cyprus since Israel's independence in 1948, when Cyprus was a British protectorate. Israel and Cyprus' associations have continued to expand since 1960, the year of Cyprus' independence. The neighboring countries trade regularly and there are high flows of tourism between them. However, Cypriot politicians have frequently spoken out against Israeli military raids in the Palestinian territories as well as the 2006 Lebanon War, during which Cyprus was forced to manage a heavy flow of refugees and aid out of and into Lebanon.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/vjw/cyprus.html |title=The Virtual Jewish History Tour: Cyprus |publisher=Jewishvirtuallibrary.org}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=May 2022}}

However, the discovery of natural gas in the [[Leviathan gas field]] led to a thawing of relations between the two governments. The two countries demarcated their Exclusive Economic Zones in 2010. Israel's rising antagonism with Turkey further increased the level of cooperation between the two countries, as Israel compensated by improving its relations elsewhere. In February 2012, Netanyahu visited Cyprus, the first visit of an Israeli Prime Minister in history.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/blogs/newsbook/2012/02/israel-and-cyprus?zid=309&ah=80dcf288b8561b012f603b9fd9577f0e |title=Getting friendly |newspaper=The Economist |date=18 February 2012 |access-date=23 August 2012}}</ref>

Relations between Israel and Cyprus are based on mutual respect for Western values, the support for free-market economy and the establishment of democracies in the Middle East that would co-exist peacefully.<ref>{{cite journal|jstor=41145604|title=The State, Ethnic Relations and Democratic Stability: Lebanon, Cyprus and Israel|first=Oren|last=Yiftachel|date=1 January 1992|journal=GeoJournal|volume=28|issue=3|pages=319–332|doi=10.1007/BF00817909|bibcode=1992GeoJo..28..319Y |s2cid=189880356}}</ref>

=== Czech Republic ===
{{Main|Czech Republic–Israel relations}}

Israel and the Czech Republic share a special relationship. Czechoslovakia was the only country to send aid to Israel in its early years e.g. [[arms shipments from Czechoslovakia to Israel 1947–1949]].

In December 2008, the Czech Air Force wanted to train in desert conditions for the upcoming mission in Afghanistan. No country agreed to help, except Israel. Israel saw it as an opportunity to thank the Czechs for training Israeli pilots when the country was first established.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ceskenoviny.cz/news/index_view.php?id=350692 |title=Czech pilots train in Israel for Afghan mission&nbsp;– ČeskéNoviny.cz |publisher=Ceskenoviny.cz}}</ref>

=== Denmark ===
{{Main|Denmark–Israel relations}}

The relations between Denmark and Israel have been friendly and warm. Denmark voted for the [[partition of Palestine]] in 1947 and supports Israel in the [[United Nations]]. Denmark was one of few countries in Europe to [[Rescue of the Danish Jews|save most of its Jewish population]] during the WWII. In [[Jerusalem]], there is a monument to the rescue of [[Danish Jews]], a school is named in Denmark's honor, and the King [[Christian X]] hospital in [[Eitanim]] is named after Denmark's king during World War II. Denmark has an embassy in Israel, and Israel has an embassy in Copenhagen.

The political lives of the two states have been somewhat intertwined: The former Israeli minister of social and diaspora affairs [[Michael Melchior]] was born in Denmark and is the son of former chief rabbi in Copenhagen, [[Bent Melchior]], the nephew of former Danish minister of traffic and minister of tourism and communication [[Arne Melchior]], and the grandson of the acting rabbi for the Jewish refugees from Denmark in Sweden 1943–45, [[Marcus Melchior]]; the executive director of the [[Peres Center for Peace]] 2001–2011, [[Ron Pundak]] who played an important role in starting the [[Oslo peace process]] and was part of the core group behind the [[Geneva Initiative]], is the son of the influential Danish journalist [[Herbert Pundik]]; and the prominent Israeli politician [[Yohanan Plesner]], former chairman of the [[Plesner Committee]], is the son of Danish architect [[Ulrik Plesner]].

=== Estonia ===
Estonia and Israel maintain excellent relations. Israel officially recognized the Republic of Estonia on 4 September 1991 and diplomatic relations were established on 9 January 1992. Foreign Minister Urmas Paet opened the Estonian Embassy in Tel Aviv in November 2009.<ref>{{cite web |title=Estonia Opens Embassy in Israel {{!}} Välisministeerium |url=https://vm.ee/ru/node/25939 |website=vm.ee |language=ru}}</ref>

As of 2012, bilateral trade with Israel was 19.9 million euros.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vm.ee/?q=en/node/64 |title=Estonia and Israel |publisher=Välisministeerium |access-date=2 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407085539/http://www.vm.ee/?q=en%2Fnode%2F64 |archive-date=7 April 2014}}</ref>

=== Finland ===
{{Main|Finland–Israel relations}}

In 2004, a joint Finland-Israel Technology (FIT) cooperation program was created for research and development projects in the field of ICT. The Office of the Chief Scientist in Israel and [[Tekes (agency)|Tekes]], the Finnish Funding Agency for Research and Innovation, allocated five million euros each for the funding of projects.<ref name="agendafin.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.agendafin.com/article.php?ID=56|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071108083458/http://www.agendafin.com/article.php?ID=56|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 November 2007|title=Finland's trade relations with Israel get a new boost |work=Agenda Magazine|access-date=30 June 2017}}</ref> In 2005, Finnish exports to Israel totaled 155,24 million euros and imports from Israel to Finland totaled 95.96 million euros. Finland's leading exports to Israel are telecommunications equipment and machinery, and Israeli fruits and vegetables.<ref name="agendafin.com" />

=== France ===
{{Main|France–Israel relations}}

[[File:Livni and Douste-Blazy.jpg|thumb|[[Tzipi Livni]] and French foreign minister [[Douste-Blazy]]]]
In the early 1950s, France and Israel maintained close political and military ties as common enemies of Pan-Arab nationalism. France was Israel's main weapons supplier until its withdrawal from Algeria in 1962 removed most common interest from the relationship, and France became increasingly critical of Israel.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jay Cristol |url=http://hnn.us/articles/751.html |title=History of Israel-France Relations |publisher=Hnn.us}}</ref> This new reality became clear when, in the crisis leading up to the [[Six-Day War]] in June 1967, [[Charles de Gaulle]]'s government imposed an arms embargo on the region, mostly affecting Israel, which had relied on France for weapons over the previous decade.<ref>CIA: Special Assessments on the Middle East Situation, Page 1, 29 June 1967 [http://www.foia.cia.gov/browse_docs.asp?doc_no=0000539365 CIA FOIA Document Page Viewer] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213223524/http://www.foia.cia.gov/browse_docs.asp?doc_no=0000539365 |date=13 February 2012}}</ref> Under [[François Mitterrand]] in the early 1980s, French–Israeli relations improved greatly. Mitterrand was the first French president to visit Israel while in office.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://countrystudies.us/israel/110.htm |title=Israel&nbsp;– Western Europe |publisher=Countrystudies.us}}</ref> In 1967, after the Six-Day War, 5,300 French Jews immigrated to Israel.<ref>[http://www.enews.ma/around-000-french_i137117_0.html Around 2,000 French Jews to move to Israel this year] {{dead link|date=September 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}} AFP</ref>

=== Georgia ===
{{Main|Georgia–Israel relations}}

Relations between Israel and Georgia remain excellent.<ref name="Washtimes">{{cite web |url=http://washingtontimes.com/news/2008/sep/04/israel-of-the-caucasus/ |title=Israel of the Caucasus? |author=Arnaud de Borchgrave |work=[[The Washington Times]] |date=4 September 2008 |author-link=Arnaud de Borchgrave |access-date=4 September 2008 |archive-date=27 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927013526/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/sep/04/israel-of-the-caucasus/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Georgia's former defense minister from 2006 to 2008, [[Davit Kezerashvili]], had previously lived in Israel. Israel has been selling weapons to Georgia for seven years financed by grants from the USA<ref name=Washtimes /> Included in these weapons are Israeli-built spy [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|drones]] provided through the former mayor of [[Tel Aviv]], [[Roni Milo]]. Israeli advisors, estimated to number between 100 and 1,000, have trained the Georgian military for some time.<ref name=Washtimes /> The two nations also maintain a visa free policy where Georgian and Israeli officials signed an agreement to lift visa requirements for Georgian citizens traveling to Israel, reciprocating Georgia's visa-free policy for Israelis in place since mid-2005.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/articles/13396/israel-rapprochement-reflects-georgia-s-continued-relevance-to-west |title=Israel Rapprochement Reflects Georgia's Continued Relevance to West |publisher=World Politics Review |date=21 November 2013 |access-date=2 April 2014 |author=Michael Cecire}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.theweek.co.uk/25777/israel-arming-georgia-sours-russian-relations |title=Israel arming of Georgia sours Russian relations |magazine=The Week |date=24 September 2008 |access-date=2 April 2014 |author=Christopher Walker |archive-date=2 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602074520/http://www.theweek.co.uk/25777/israel-arming-georgia-sours-russian-relations |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Georgia has its embassy in Tel Aviv, and the State of Israel has its embassy in Tbilisi. In June 2013, Georgian Prime Minister [[Bidzina Ivanishvili]] praised the Jewish people and Israel and has sought to increase relations between Israel and Georgia elucidating his special relationship between him, Georgia and the Jewish people. Ivanishvili also wanted to extend strategic partnerships and as well as furthering economic cooperation by making it easier for Israeli entrepreneurs and investors to not just do business in Israel, but also facilitate the right paths to do business for the Georgians. The Israel-Georgia Chamber of Business was established in 1996 in order to facilitate business transactions between the two friendly countries and acting as a guide for Israeli businesses through the Georgian economy. Major sectors include insurance, real estate and construction, medical and dental solutions, industrial and utility projects, and energy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://embassies.gov.il/tbilisi/Relations/Pages/Bilateral-Relations-Overview.aspx |title=Bilateral Relations' Overview |publisher=Israeli Diplomatic Network |access-date=2 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jpost.com/Features/Front-Lines/Diplomacy-Georgias-PM-My-desire-and-dream-is-for-Israel-to-be-our-strategic-partner-317269 |title=Georgia's PM: My dream is for Israel as a strategic partner |date=20 June 2013 |access-date=2 April 2014 |author=HERB KEINON}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://tbcinvest.co.il/index.php?a=main&pid=39&lang=eng |title=TBC Invest |publisher=TBC Invest |access-date=2 April 2014 |archive-date=7 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407081625/http://tbcinvest.co.il/index.php?a=main&pid=39&lang=eng |url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Germany ===
{{Main|Germany–Israel relations}}
{{See also|East Germany–Israel relations}}

Due to its role in the Holocaust, Israel was at first extremely hostile towards Germany and initially refused to establish relations with them. However, relations gradually thawed as Germany offered to pay [[Reparations Agreement between Israel and West Germany|reparations]] in 1952, and diplomatic relations were officially established in 1965. Israel and Germany now maintain a "special relationship" based on shared beliefs, Western values and a combination of historical perspectives.<ref name="BICOM">{{cite web |url=http://www.bicom.org.uk/publications/israels_foreign_relations/s/1207/the-israel-german-special-relationship/ |title=Israel's foreign relations. The Israel-German special relationship |publisher=[[Britain Israel Communications and Research Centre]] |date=23 November 2005 |access-date=18 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928020503/http://www.bicom.org.uk/publications/israels_foreign_relations/s/1207/the-israel-german-special-relationship/ |archive-date=28 September 2007}}</ref> Among the most important factors in their relations is [[Nazi Germany]]'s role in the [[genocide]] of 6 million Jews during [[the Holocaust]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.germany.info/relaunch/info/archives/background/israel.html |title=Germany and Israel |work=Background Papers |publisher=German Embassy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927023555/http://www.germany.info/relaunch/info/archives/background/israel.html |archive-date=27 September 2007}}</ref>

Germany is a prime supplier of arms to Israel, including [[Dolphin class submarine|Dolphin submarines]]. The military co-operation has been discreet but mutually profitable: Israeli intelligence, for example, sent captured [[Warsaw Pact]] armor to West Germany to be analyzed. The results aided the German development of an [[Anti-tank warfare|anti-tank system]].<ref>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article3564572.ece Israel welcomes new Germany to a celebration of its 60th birthday] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805103820/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article3564572.ece |date=5 August 2011}}</ref>

=== Greece ===
{{Main|Greece–Israel relations}}

Both Greece and Turkey recognized the State of Israel in the late 1940s, but were diplomatically represented in Tel Aviv on lower-than-embassy levels. Greek–Israeli relations improved in 1995. 
[[File:Flickr - Israel Defense Forces - Israeli and Greek Navies Join Forces in Drill (5).jpg|thumb|The Israeli and Greek Navies joined forces in 2012 near [[Piraeus]].]]
[[File:Flickr - Πρωθυπουργός της Ελλάδας - Αντώνης Σαμαράς - Συνάντηση με τον Πρόεδρο του Ισραήλ κ. Shimon Peres (5).jpg|thumb|left|Meeting of President of Israel [[Shimon Peres]] and Prime Minister of Greece [[Antonis Samaras]] in August 2012 in [[Athens]]]]


[[File:Carmel Fire04-12-2010-1.jpg|right|thumb|[[Hellenic Air Force]] [[Bombardier 415]]s fighting flames at [[Ein Hod]] on 4 December 2010]]
Greece–Israel relations improved as Turkey–Israel relations worsened in the aftermath of the 2010 [[Gaza flotilla raid]]. In October 2010, the Israeli and Greek air-forces trained jointly in Greece. According to the BBC, this signified a boost in ties that was due in large part to Israel's rift with Turkey.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-11556442 Israel woos Greece after rift with Turkey] BBC, 16 October 2010</ref> In November 2011, the [[Israeli Air Force]] hosted Greece's [[Hellenic Air Force]] in a joint exercise at the [[Ovda Airport|Uvda base]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Pfeffer |first=Anshel |url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-hosts-greek-air-force-for-joint-excercise-1.401009 |title=Israel hosts Greek Air Force for joint exercise |work=Haaretz |date=12 December 2011}}</ref>

The joint Cyprus–Israel oil and gas explorations are also an important factor for Greece, given its strong links with Cyprus.<ref>{{cite news |title=Turkey, Greece discuss exploration off Cyprus |agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/turkey-greece-discuss-exploration-off-cyprus-1.386864 |newspaper=Haaretz |date=26 September 2011 |access-date=1 January 2012}}</ref> Additionally Greek and Israeli state controlled energy companies are planning to lay the world's longest subsea power cable, linking Israel, Cyprus and Greece by 2023. The link, called the [[EuroAsia Interconnector]] project, will be the longest in the world.<ref>{{cite news|title=Group proposes electricity link between Israel, Greece and Cyprus |agency=Reuters |url=http://english.themarker.com/group-proposes-electricity-link-between-israel-greece-and-cyprus-1.409956 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202231556/http://english.themarker.com/group-proposes-electricity-link-between-israel-greece-and-cyprus-1.409956 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 December 2013 |newspaper=Haaretz |date=30 January 2012 |access-date=30 January 2012}}</ref>

A new joint action committee for the Greek–Israeli alliance has been created in the U.S. Congress in early 2013. The creation and goals of the Greek-Israeli Caucus under the name Congressional Hellenic-Israel Alliance were announced at a special event held in the Congress.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.americanhellenic.org/news/2013-02-15.php |title=Rep. Bilirakis and Deutch launch Congressional Hellenic-Israeli partnership |access-date=16 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725043624/http://americanhellenic.org/news/2013-02-15.php |archive-date=25 July 2013}}</ref> It is co-chaired by Congress members [[Gus Bilirakis]] the Republican representative from Florida and [[Ted Deutch]] the Democrat from Florida, and the Greek-Israeli Caucus consists of powerful members of both Republican and Democratic party. It is estimated that it may become the most important pressure group in Congress by 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.israelemb.org/washington/NewsAndEvents/Pages/Ambassador-hosts-congressional-Hellenic-Israel-caucus.aspx |title=Ambassador hosts congressional Hellenic-Israel caucus |access-date=21 February 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221180822/http://www.israelemb.org/washington/NewsAndEvents/Pages/Ambassador-hosts-congressional-Hellenic-Israel-caucus.aspx |archive-date=21 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://usa.greekreporter.com/2013/02/15/new-greek-israeli-committee-in-u-s-congress/|title=New Greek-Israeli Committee in U.S Congress|access-date=21 February 2015|date=15 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/israels-us-envoy-hosts-meeting-on-israeli-greek-cypriot-ties/|title=Israel's US envoy hosts meeting on Israeli-Greek-Cypriot ties|work=The Times of Israel|access-date=21 February 2015}}</ref>

=== Holy See ===
{{Main|Holy See–Israel relations}}

Before the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, the [[Holy See|Vatican]] opposed Zionist policies and objectives in Palestine. In 1947, during discussions at the United Nations about the [[United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine]], the Vatican supported the [[internationalization of Jerusalem]], in order to keep the [[holy places]] away from either Israeli or Arab sovereignty. In October 1948, as the [[1948 Arab–Israeli War]] was in progress, [[Pope Pius XII]], deeply disturbed by that violent conflict, issued the [[encyclical]] ''[[In multiplicibus curis]]'', in which he called on the peace-makers to give Jerusalem and its outskirts "an international character" and to assure&nbsp;– "with international guarantees"&nbsp;– freedom of access and worship at the holy places scattered throughout Palestine. In April 1949, he issued the encyclical ''[[Redemptoris nostri cruciatus]]'', in which he appealed for justice for the [[Palestinian refugee]]s and repeated his call for an "international status" as the best form of protection for the holy places.

In January 1964, Pope [[Paul VI]] visited Israel, the first such Papal visit.

Following the [[Six-Day War]], the Vatican modified its position on the holy places. In an address to the [[College of Cardinals]] in December 1967, [[Pope Paul VI]] called for a "''special statute'', internationally guaranteed" for Jerusalem and the Holy Places, thus changing the previous demand for the internationalization of Jerusalem.

Diplomatic relations between the Israeli government and the Vatican were established in 1994, following the conclusion of the [[Fundamental Agreement between the Holy See and the State of Israel]], signed on 30 December 1993. The Holy See (the Vatican), which has UN observer status, is the only non-UN member state with which Israel has diplomatic relations and the only non-UN member state recognised by Israel. An important organ in these relations is the Israel-Vatican Bilateral Commission, established under article 10 of the Agreement to resolve economic issues between the parties.

In 2000, [[Pope John Paul II]] visited Israel, followed by visits of [[Pope Benedict XVI]] (2009) and [[Pope Francis]] (2014). The bilateral commission convened on 30 April 2009 and 10 December 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/About+the+Ministry/MFA+Spokesman/2009/Press+releases/Israel-Vatican-Bilateral-Commission-meets-in-Jerusalem-30-Apr-2009.htm |title=Meeting of the Israel-Vatican Bilateral Commission held in Jerusalem 30-Apr-2009 |publisher=Mfa.gov.il}}</ref>

=== Hungary ===
{{Main|Hungary–Israel relations}}
Hungary and Israel established full diplomatic relations in 1948 and severed during the Six-Day War in 1967. Relations were restored in 1989 with improved relations as well as the opening of embassies and consulates with Hungary having an embassy in [[Tel Aviv]] and 4 honorary consulates (in [[Eilat]], [[Haifa]], [[Jerusalem]] and [[Tel Aviv]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mfa.gov.hu/kulkepviselet/IL/en/mainpage.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081026160824/http://www.mfa.gov.hu/kulkepviselet/IL/en/mainpage.htm|title=Hungarian embassy in Tel Aviv|archive-date=26 October 2008}}</ref> and Israel has an embassy in [[Budapest]] and an honorary consulate in [[Szeged]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://budapest.mfa.gov.il/mfm/web/main/missionhome.asp?LanguageID=0&Question2=&MissionID=39&MissionID=|title=Error-2010-f3|access-date=21 February 2015}}</ref> Both countries have stressed the increasing of trade and tourism between one another and an estimated 30,000 Hungarian Jews emigrated to Israel in 1948.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurojewcong.org/communities/hungary.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325053326/http://www.eurojewcong.org/communities/hungary.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 March 2014 |title=Hungary |publisher=European Jewish Congress |access-date=24 March 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jta.org/1989/09/19/archive/hungary-re-establishe-full-ties-with-israel-ending-22-year-breach |title=Hungary Re-establishes Full Ties with Israel, Ending 22-year Breach |publisher=JTA |date=19 September 1989 |access-date=24 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://hungarianglobe.mandiner.hu/cikk/20130612_ilan_mor_interview_hungary_and_israel_are_in_many_ways_similar |title=Israeli Ambassador: Hungary And Israel Are in Many Ways Similar |date=4 June 2013 |access-date=24 March 2014 |author=Gellért Rajcsányi}}</ref> Both nations are also members of the [[Union for the Mediterranean]].

In January 2022, Israeli Prime Minister [[Naftali Bennett]] thanked his Hungarian counterpart, Prime Minister [[Viktor Orbán]], for the Hungarian government's consistent support of Israel at international forums.<ref>{{cite web |title=Israeli PM Thanks PM Orbán for Hungarian Govt's Consistent International Support |url=https://hungarytoday.hu/bennett-orban-hungary-israel-relations/ |website=Hungary Today |language=en |date=11 January 2022}}</ref>

=== Ireland ===
{{Main|Ireland–Israel relations}}

Full diplomatic relations between Ireland and Israel were established in 1975.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/About+the+Ministry/Diplomatic+missions/Israel-s+Diplomatic+Missions+Abroad.htm |title=Israel's Diplomatic Missions Abroad: Status of relations |access-date=1 November 2006 |publisher=Government of Israel}}</ref> As of 2023, the Israeli ambassador to Ireland is [[Dana Erlich]] and the Irish ambassador to Israel is [[Sonya McGuinness]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=October - New Ambassadors present Credentials - Department of Foreign Affairs |url=https://www.dfa.ie/news-and-media/press-releases/press-release-archive/2018/october/new-ambassadors-present-credentials.php |access-date=2023-04-01 |website=www.dfa.ie}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gov.il/en/departments/news/epressevenambs | title=President Herzog receives diplomatic credentials of new ambassadors to Israel from Côte d'Ivoire, Peru, Cyprus, United Kingdom, France, Ireland, and Brazil }}</ref>

The Irish government followed a similar line to other EU governments during the [[2006 Lebanon War]], with the Irish [[Taoiseach]], [[Bertie Ahern]], condemning the actions of Israel as "reckless and disproportionate" and calling for an immediate ceasefire on both sides, while also condemning the actions of Hezbollah.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.taoiseach.gov.ie/index.asp?locID=404&docID=2802 |title=Taoiseach condemns killing of 4 UN Observers in Southern Lebanon |access-date=1 November 2006 |date=26 July 2006 |publisher=Government of Ireland}}</ref> During the conflict, a shipment of bombs that attempted to land in Ireland from USA to Tel Aviv was denied use of Irish airspace and airfields by the Irish Government. The weapons were part of a series of agreed arms shipments between the United States Government and Israel. The shipments were diverted via Scotland, where they also caused controversy.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/5227582.stm |title=Flights protest targets Prestwick |access-date=1 November 2006 |date=30 July 2006 |publisher=BBC News}}</ref>

In 2010, the Israel Defense Forces forcibly boarded an Irish aid ship destined for the Gaza Strip which resulted in worsened relations, Israel's Mossad was also involved in the counterfeiting of Irish passports, 2 members of the Israeli ambassador's security staff in Dublin were subsequently deported. In 2010, there were numerous protests at the Israeli embassy in Ireland over the treatment of Palestinians.

In December 2024, Israel announced that it would close its embassy in Dublin due to what it described as "the extreme anti-Israel policies of the Irish government".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-16 |title=Israel to close Dublin embassy over 'anti-Israel policies' |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2024/1215/1486609-israel-embassy/ |website=RTÉ.ie}}</ref>

=== Italy ===
{{Main|Israel–Italy relations}}

[[File:Flickr - Israel Defense Forces - Air Force Exercise in Sardinia, Nov 2010 (1).jpg|thumb|The [[Israeli Air Force|Israeli]] and [[Italian Air Force]]s conclude an extensive, two-week joint exercise in [[Sardinia]], 17 November 2010.]]
Relations between Italy and Israel remain strong, with frequent diplomatic exchanges and a large volume of trade. The Israeli Government has followed with great attention the fight against international terrorism pursued by the Italian Government.

=== Kosovo ===
{{Main|Israel–Kosovo relations}}

On 17 February 2008, Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia, a move Serbia rejects. Kosovo has been [[International recognition of Kosovo|recognized]] by a substantial number of UN members, including the United States and most members of the European Union.<ref>[http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/About+the+Ministry/Foreign_Minister/Speeches/Press_conference_FM_Liberman_Belgrade_16_Sep_2009.htm Press conference with FM Liberman in Belgrade], Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 16 September 2009.</ref> At the time of the declaration, an Israeli Foreign Ministry official stated: "We haven't decided when we're going to decide, and instead will monitor events and consider the issue." Israel was reluctant to recognize Kosovo's independence, in part because of the possibility of Palestinians using recognition of Kosovo to justify their own unilateral declaration of independence.<ref>[http://fr.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1203343699593&pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull Sources: Israel won't recognize Kosovo, for now] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110916154608/http://fr.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1203343699593&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull |date=16 September 2011}}, The Jerusalem Post, 19 February 2008.</ref> On 21 September 2018 the president of Kosovo, Hashim Thaci told that he would place the Kosovo embassy in Jerusalem if Israel recognized Kosovo as an independent state.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jta.org/2018/09/21/default/kosovo-will-open-embassy-jerusalem-israel-recognizes-president-says |title=Kosovo will open an embassy in Jerusalem if Israel recognizes it |publisher=Jewish Telegraphic Agency |date=21 September 2018 |access-date=9 November 2015}}</ref> Israel and Kosovo agreed to establish diplomatic relations on 4 September 2020.<ref>[https://mfa.gov.il/MFA/PressRoom/2020/Pages/Serbian-embassy-to-relocate-to-Jerusalem-5-September-2020.aspx Serbian embassy to relocate to Jerusalem, Israel and Kosovo to establish diplomatic relations], Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 5 September 2020.</ref> In March 2022, Kosovo officially opened its embassy in Jerusalem after becoming the first Muslim-majority territory to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pristina |first1=Agence France-Presse in |title=Kosovo opens embassy in Jerusalem after Israel recognises its independence |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/mar/14/kosovo-opens-embassy-in-jerusalem-after-israel-recognises-its-independence |work=the Guardian |date=14 March 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

=== Latvia ===
Latvia and Israel established diplomatic relations 6 January 1992. In October 2012, Foreign Minister [[Edgars Rinkēvičs]] called on Israeli officials for the development of economic and trade contacts between both countries and support for Latvia's accession to the [[Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development]] (OECD). Rinkevics also met with Israeli President Shimon Peres on behalf of President Berzins to visit Latvia. Rinkevics and Peres agreed on the key significance of education and knowledge-based economies for the development of small countries further paving opportunities for our future cooperation between the two nations.<ref name="Baltic Export">{{cite web |url=http://balticexport.com/?article=rinkevics-izraela-aicina-attistit-ekonomiskas-attiecibas-un-atbalstit-latvijas-dalibu-oecd&lang=en |title=Rinkevics calls for development of economic relations and support for Latvia's OECD membership |publisher=Baltic Export |date=October 2012 |access-date=2 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407061040/http://balticexport.com/?article=rinkevics-izraela-aicina-attistit-ekonomiskas-attiecibas-un-atbalstit-latvijas-dalibu-oecd&lang=en |archive-date=7 April 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman also corroborated claims that Israel is interested in forging closer relations with Latvia as Rinkevics emphasized the 20th anniversary of relations between Latvia and Israel in 2012 and both foreign ministers expressed their commitment to strengthening economic and trade cooperation, including contacts between Latvian and Israeli entrepreneurs and a more cooperative operation in the fields of education, culture and science.<ref name="Baltic Export" />

=== Lithuania ===
{{Main|Israel–Lithuania relations}}

Israel recognized Lithuania's independence in 1991. Both countries established diplomatic relation in 1992. Israel has an embassy in [[Vilnius]]. Lithuania has an embassy in Tel Aviv and two honorary consulates (in Herzliya and Ramat Gan). Relations are warm and friendly between the two nations and both bi-national trade and tourism has doubled, and two new regularly scheduled flights have just been set between the two countries since 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jpost.com/Business/Business-News/Growing-Lithuanian-business-ties-beget-political-support-332417 |title=Growing Lithuanian business ties beget political support |date=20 November 2013 |access-date=2 April 2014 |author=NIV ELIS}}</ref>

Lithuanian achievements, particularly Lithuania's achievements in biochemistry and the biosciences have attracted Israeli entrepreneurs and investors to invest in Lithuania's science and technology sector and Lithuania is enthusiastic in combining Israel's knack for unlocked untapped entrepreneurial and intellectual potential combined with Lithuania's strong science and technology research base and talented workforce. Both nations have concluded an agreement on cooperation in industrial research and experimental development as further cooperation within venture capital to fund joint research projects remains underway.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mita.lt/en/news/all_news/lithuanian-israeli_cooperation_agreement_promotes_the_development_of_innovation_ |title=Lithuanian-Israeli cooperation agreement promotes the development of innovation |date=19 October 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227093224/http://www.mita.lt/en/news/all_news/lithuanian-israeli_cooperation_agreement_promotes_the_development_of_innovation_ |archive-date=27 December 2016 |access-date=30 June 2017}}</ref><ref name="Dovilė Jablonskaitė">{{cite web |url=http://www.lrt.lt/en/news_in_english/29/10384/lithuania_israel_south_africa_untapped_potential |title=Lithuania – Israel – South Africa: Untapped potential |date=15 January 2013 |access-date=2 April 2014 |author=Dovilė Jablonskaitė}}</ref>

Bilateral meetings between both nations reached unexpected highs between 2009–2011 and cooperations between the two nations remain excellent with several forms of cooperation that include science, economics, education, and culture as emphasized by Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius Azubalis. Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite has stated Israel as model of innovation in which is one of the reasons that Lithuania is interested in enhancing its bilateral relations.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/170495#.UzzOqkIvla0 |title=Peres in Lithuania Highlights Reasons for Strong Ties to Israel |date=August 2013 |publisher=Israel National News |access-date=2 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.baltictimes.com/news/articles/30728/#.UzzOqkIvla0 |title=Lithuania and Israel reach a new level of constructive partnership |date=7 March 2012 |access-date=2 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/baltic_states_cis/?doc=78545 |title=Grybauskaite: there are many perspective areas in which Lithuania-Israeli relations could be expanded |work=The Baltic Times |date=31 July 2013 |access-date=2 April 2014 |author=Danuta Pavilenene}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.15min.lt/en/article/world/relations-between-lithuanian-and-israeli-youths-should-be-strengthened-says-head-of-litvak-organization-529-357440#ixzz2xn1ESivK |title= Relations between Lithuanian and Israeli youths should be strengthened, says head of Litvak organization Skaitykite daugiau|access-date=2 April 2014}}</ref>

In 2011 alone, Israeli tourism to Lithuania grew by 62 percent, and Lithuanian exports to Israel increased by 54 percent. Israel's leading pharmaceutical company, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, has a manufacturing plant in Lithuania and TEVA recently invested in "Sicor Biotech", a Lithuanian biotechnological pharmaceutical company, further signifying economic cooperation and encourages the development of such sciences as biotechnology and genetic engineering in Lithuanian universities.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.15min.lt/en/article/world/audronius-azubalis-lithuania-and-israel-are-similar-529-201708 |title=Ažubalis in Jerusalem: Lithuania and Israel are simila |publisher=en.15min.lt |access-date=2 April 2014}}</ref>

Israeli companies have taken a very active interest in possibilities for carrying out clinical research in Lithuania; many of them are already in cooperation with Lithuanian medical institutions and have invested in Lithuania's burgeoning life sciences sector. In 2013, Lithuanian biotechnology company ProBioSanus signed a representation agreement with Bharat Israel where ProBioSanus' natural, probiotic-based cleaning and personal care products will be available for sale in Israel for the first time. The company already opened stores in Lithuania and Scandinavia. Mr Andrejauskas, head of ProBioSanus spoke of this agreement saying that "We have a strong scientific base and intellectual potential in Lithuania, so we are allocating particular attention to the creation of new formulas and products."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lsb2014.com/en/news/lithuanian-biotech-start-up-enters-the-israeli-market-with-the-help-of-enterprise-lithuania/ |title=Lithuanian Biotech Start-Up Enters the Israeli Market with the Help of Enterprise Lithuania |publisher=Life Sciences Baltics |date=10 June 2013 |access-date=2 April 2014 |author=Jorūnė Juodžbalytė |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904081716/http://www.lsb2014.com/en/news/lithuanian-biotech-start-up-enters-the-israeli-market-with-the-help-of-enterprise-lithuania/ |archive-date=4 September 2015 }}</ref> Besides Israeli investments in the Lithuanian life science's sector, Lithuanian presence in Israel in the food industry remains strong as Israeli supermarkets sell Lithuanian cheese, curd desserts, Vilnius mayonnaise, Žemaitijos Pienas butter, Panevėžys ice cream, Švyturys-Utenos Alus beers and various styles of Lithuanian liquors. According to Vadimas Ivanovas, a business and financial analyst at Enterprise Lithuania, says that Israeli retail chains are very interested in Lithuanian sweets, pastries, canned vegetables, various sauces, alcoholic beverages, mineral water. "Veal is particularly popular."<ref name="Dovilė Jablonskaitė" />

=== Luxembourg ===
In November 1947, Luxembourg voted in favor of the partition plan to create a Jewish state. Israel and Luxembourg established full diplomatic relations in 1949. Due to Luxembourg's small size, the Israeli embassy is located in Brussels and Luxembourg is represented politically by the Dutch embassy and economically by the Belgian embassy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/vjw/Luxembourg.html |title=The Virtual Jewish History Tour&nbsp;– Luxembourg |publisher=Jewishvirtuallibrary.org}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=May 2022}}

=== Moldova ===
{{main|Israel–Moldova relations}}
[[File:Moldovan Embassy Tel Aviv 03070.JPG|thumb|Moldovan Embassy in [[Tel Aviv]]]]
Relations between Moldova and Israel were established on 6 June 1992. Israel recognized Moldova on 25 December 1991. Israel is represented in Moldova through its embassy in Chisinau and Moldova has an embassy in Tel Aviv and an honorary consulate in Haifa. Relations between the two countries are friendly and a warm one based on mutual support. A myriad of efforts are primarily focused on the realization of achieved accords on cooperation in the fields of economy, medicine, industry, agriculture, social and cultural issues. Though the volume of trade between Israel and Moldova was low, [[Larisa Miculet]], the third Ambassador of Moldova to Israel, has stated that there numerous untapped potential of increasing bilateral trade. For Israeli entrepreneurs and investors, Moldova is geopolitically convenient because of its location in the center of Europe, its high transparency between public authorities and foreign investors and due to its having eliminated most of the bureaucratic barriers that hinder business activities. Various business sectors of cooperation between Israel and Moldova range from pharmaceuticals, energy, information technology and software, electronics and electronic equipment, power engineering, metal and plastics processing and construction materials but Moldova has stressed foreign Israeli investments in all segments of the Moldovan economy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jpost.com/Features/Investing-in-bilateral-relations |title=Investing in bilateral relations |date=3 April 2006 |access-date=2 April 2014 |author=GREER FAY CASHMAN}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.israel.mfa.md/temp-en/ |title=SRAELI CORPORATIONS INTERESTED TO INVEST IN MOLDOVA – AMBASSADOR MICULET |access-date=2 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407092613/http://www.israel.mfa.md/temp-en/ |archive-date=7 April 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.israel.mfa.md/economical-relations-en/ |title=Economical Relations Trade and Economic Cooperation |access-date=2 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407092845/http://www.israel.mfa.md/economical-relations-en/ |archive-date=7 April 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Netherlands ===
{{Main|Israel–Netherlands relations}}
[[File:Jerusalem march 2016 6.jpg|thumb|Netherlands delegation, [[Jerusalem March]]]]
In 1947, the Netherlands voted in favor of the establishing Israel and established diplomatic relation in 1949. Israel has an embassy in The Hague and The Netherlands has an embassy in Tel Aviv.

=== North Macedonia ===
{{Main|Israel–North Macedonia relations}}

=== Norway ===
{{Main|Israel–Norway relations}}
[[File:Med Israel For Fred 2006-08-07 img02.jpg|thumb|[[With Israel for Peace]] (MIFF), [[Oslo]]]]

Norway was one of the first countries to recognize Israel on 4 February 1949. Both countries established diplomatic relations later that year. Israel has an embassy which serves Norway and Iceland in Oslo. Norway has an embassy in [[Tel Aviv]] and 2 honorary consulates (in [[Eilat]] and [[Haifa]]). [[Israels Venner på Stortinget]] ''(Friends of Israel in the Parliament of Norway)'' is a pro-Israel caucus group consisting of members of the Parliament of Norway ([[Stortinget]]).

=== Poland ===
{{Main|Israel–Poland relations}}

Following the severing of relations after the [[Six-Day War]], Poland was the first [[Eastern Bloc]] country to restore relations with Israel in 1986 (beside Romania, which had continuous relations with Israel). Full diplomatic relations were reestablished in 1990, after the fall of Communism in Poland.

=== Portugal ===
The [[Estado Novo (Portugal)|Estado Novo]] regime did not recognize Israel. Full diplomatic relations with the Portuguese government were established on 12 May 1977, following the [[Carnation Revolution|Portuguese revolution of 1974]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://unispal.un.org/unispal.nsf/9a798adbf322aff38525617b006d88d7/8fd7c0ac39ddf76785256fdb0067cacc?OpenDocument |title=Communiqué issued on 18 July 1977 by the Permanent Mission of Portugal to the United Nations |publisher=United Nations |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222213706/http://unispal.un.org/unispal.nsf/9a798adbf322aff38525617b006d88d7/8fd7c0ac39ddf76785256fdb0067cacc?OpenDocument |archive-date=22 February 2014}}</ref>

=== Romania ===
{{Main|Israel–Romania relations}}

Romania and Israel established full diplomatic relations on 11 June 1948. Between 1967 and 1989, Romania was the only Eastern Bloc country to maintain relations with Israel, after the Six-Day War.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://embassies.gov.il/bucharest-old/Relations/Pages/Bilateral-Relations0620-430.aspx|title= Israel-Romania Bilateral Relations|access-date=4 November 2023}}</ref>

Israel has an embassy in [[Bucharest]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bucharest.mfa.gov.il/mfm/web/main/missionhome.asp?LanguageID=0&Question2=&MissionID=57&MissionID=|title=Error-2010-f3|access-date=21 February 2015}}</ref> Romania has an embassy in [[Tel Aviv]] and 3 honorary consulates (in [[Haifa]], [[Jerusalem]] and [[Tel Aviv]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://telaviv.mae.ro/index.php?lang=en|title=AMBASADA ROMÂNIEI în Statul Israel|access-date=21 February 2015|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304025018/http://telaviv.mae.ro/index.php?lang=en|url-status=dead}}</ref> The two countries have signed many bilateral treaties and agreements and both of them are full members of the [[Union for the Mediterranean]] and many other international organizations.

=== Russia and the Soviet Union ===
{{Main|Israel–Russia relations}}

{{See also|Soviet Union and the Arab–Israeli conflict|Russia and the Arab–Israeli conflict}}
[[File:Putin-Netanyahu-Moscow Victory Day Parade 09-05-2018.jpg|thumb|[[Benjamin Netanyahu]] and [[Vladimir Putin]] at the [[2018 Moscow Victory Day Parade]]]]
The [[Soviet Union]] voted in favor of the [[United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine]] in 1947, which paved the way for the creation of the State of Israel. On 17 May 1948, on the third day of Israel's independence, the [[Soviet Union and the Arab–Israeli conflict#Establishment of the State of Israel|Soviet Union granted ''de jure'' recognition]] to the State of Israel, becoming only the second country to recognise Israel (preceded only by the United States' ''de facto'' recognition) and the first country to grant Israel ''de jure'' recognition.<ref>{{cite journal|jstor=2193961|title=The Recognition of Israel|first=Philip Marshall|last=Brown|date=1 January 1948|journal=The American Journal of International Law|volume=42|issue=3|pages=620–627|doi=10.2307/2193961|s2cid=147342045 }}</ref>

The Soviet Union and the other [[Eastern Bloc|communist states of Eastern Europe]] (with the exception of Romania) cut diplomatic ties with Israel during the Six-Day War. Relations were restored on 19 October 1991, a few months before the [[dissolution of the Soviet Union]], despite the fact that hostile Arab countries such as Syria also maintain close ties with Russia. Russia is known to supply Syria with weapons.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=53299 |title=Israel slams Russia for arming Syria |date=2010-03-26 |accessdate=2024-02-06 |first1=Yaakov |last1=Katz |work=[[The Jerusalem Post]] }}</ref>

In September 2010, Israel and Russia signed a comprehensive military agreement that will "increase cooperation on combating terrorism" and the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Israeli Defense Minister [[Ehud Barak]] met with his Russian counterpart, [[Anatoly Serdyukov]] and Prime Minister [[Vladimir Putin]], and signed the agreement during a ceremony in Moscow. The Russian military plans on purchasing additional Israeli unmanned aerial vehicles. Russia previously bought 12 drones from the [[Israel Aerospace Industries]] following the [[2008 South Ossetia war|war in South Ossetia]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Katz |first=Yaakov |url=http://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?id=187362 |title=Barak signs military deal with Russia |work=The Jerusalem Post|date=20 November 2012 }}</ref>

=== Serbia ===
{{Main|Israel–Serbia relations}}

Diplomatic relations between Israel and Serbia's predecessor state, [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia|Yugoslavia]], were severed for twenty-four years, from 1967 until 1991, when they were officially renewed, by which time Yugoslavia was in the process of disintegration. Diplomatic relations continued when, in April 1992, the two remaining Yugoslav republics, Serbia and Montenegro, formed the [[Serbia and Montenegro|Federal Republic of Yugoslavia]] (renamed to [[Serbia and Montenegro]] in February 2003). On 3 June 2006, Montenegro and Serbia dissolved the union.

=== Slovakia ===
Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1993. Israel has an embassy in [[Bratislava]], with its first [[List of ambassadors of Israel to Slovakia|resident ambassador in Slovakia]] being [[Yael Rubinstein]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Sherut/IsraeliAbroad/Continents/Europe/Slovakia/|title=2BackToHomePage3|access-date=21 February 2015}}</ref> Slovakia has an embassy in [[Tel Aviv]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mfa.sk/zu/index/podstranka.php?id=825&PHPSESSID=4c8abde539f64acb8fcc9845aeb87efc|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217042015/http://www.mfa.sk/zu/index/podstranka.php?id=825&PHPSESSID=4c8abde539f64acb8fcc9845aeb87efc|title=Slovak embassy in Tel Aviv|archive-date=17 February 2012}}</ref> In May 2008, Slovakian Prime Minister [[Robert Fico]] called [[Ehud Olmert]] and [[Shimon Peres]] for the strengthening of diplomatic relations between Israel and Slovakia. An Israel – Slovakia Chamber of Commerce and Industry also exists to facilitate further economic and business cooperation between the two countries.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.israslov.org.il/ |title=Israel – Slovakia Chamber of Commerce and Industry |access-date=24 March 2014 |archive-date=21 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921002714/https://www.israslov.org.il/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/slovak-pm-hopes-to-turn-page-urges-closer-ties-with-israel-1.245987 |title=Slovak PM hopes to turn page, urges closer ties with Israel |newspaper=Haaretz |date=16 May 2008 |access-date=24 March 2014 |author=Yehuda Lahav}}</ref>

=== Slovenia ===
{{Main|Israel–Slovenia relations}}
Israel and Slovenia established full diplomatic relations when Israel officially recognized Slovenia on 16 April 1992 and on 28 April 1992 when the countries signed the Protocol establishing diplomatic relations between each other. The Slovenian-Israeli Chamber of Commerce was established in 2010 signifying a strengthening of ties and both countries have discussed bilateral cooperation in business, tourism, science and technology, and agriculture.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ukom.gov.si/en/media_room/newsletter_slovenia_news/news/article/391/2171/942c84d7a1ab98fdf4cebca88932bd45/?tx_ttnews[newsletter]=84 |title=Slovenia and Israel Strengthening Ties |publisher=Republic of Slovenia Government Office |access-date=24 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325052943/http://www.ukom.gov.si/en/media_room/newsletter_slovenia_news/news/article/391/2171/942c84d7a1ab98fdf4cebca88932bd45/?tx_ttnews |archive-date=25 March 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.diplomacy.co.il/current-events/politics/539-twenty-years-of-diplomatic-relations-between-slovenia-and-israel |title=Twenty years of diplomatic relations between Slovenia and Israel |publisher=Diplomacy Israel |date=3 May 2012 |access-date=24 March 2014}}</ref>

==== Slovenian Jews in Israel ====
A sizable Slovenian Jewish community was presently in the [[Gush Dan]] area.

=== Spain ===
{{Main|Israel–Spain relations}}

[[Francoist Spain]] did not recognize Israel, citing an [[Judeo-Masonic conspiracy theory|international conspiracy of Jews and Freemasons]] against Spain. Israel and Spain have maintained diplomatic ties since 1986. Nevertheless, Israeli exports to Spain are on the rise, totalling $870 million in 2006, and Israeli firms doing business with Spain include the [[Dead Sea]] Works, [[Haifa]] Chemicals, [[Amdocs]], [[Comverse]] and [[Teva Pharmaceuticals]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Eldar |first=Akiva |url=http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/918284.html |title=Border Control / The Spanish conquest&nbsp;– Haaretz&nbsp;– Israel News |work=Haaretz |date=30 October 2007}}</ref>
The Spanish foreign minister visited Israel for an official visit in May 2008.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.haaretz.com/misc/breakingnews|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420055157/http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/objects/pages/ShowTickers.jhtml|title=Breaking News – Haaretz – Israel News|archive-date=20 April 2010|website=Haaretz}}</ref>

=== Sweden ===
{{Main|Israel–Sweden relations}}

Sweden voted in favor of the [[United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine]] in 1947. Relations between Sweden and Israel were good during the 1950s and 1960s, and Sweden expressed strong support for Israel during the [[Six-Day War]].<ref>{{cite book |author1=Per Ahlmark |author-link=Per Ahlmark |title=Det öppna såret : om massmord och medlöperi |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=F_z2NAAACAAJ|year=1997|publisher=[[Timbro]]|location=[[Stockholm]]|language=sv|isbn=978-91-7566-326-5|page=195}}</ref> However, from 1969, Sweden became more critical of Israel.<ref name="ahlmark1997_196">Ahlmark 1997, p. 196</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.olofpalme.org/wp-content/dokument/820701b_tco_kongress.pdf|title=Anförande vid TCO kongressen}}</ref> In October 2014, Sweden became the first [[European Union]] member to officially recognize the [[State of Palestine]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/30/sweden-officially-recognises-state-palestine|title=Sweden officially recognises state of Palestine|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=30 October 2014|work=The Guardian}}</ref>

=== Switzerland ===
{{Main|Israel–Switzerland relations}}

[[File:Flickr - Israel Defense Forces - Chief of the Swiss Armed forces Visits Israel.jpg|thumb|The Chief of the [[Military of Switzerland|Swiss Armed Forces]], André Blattmann, visiting Israel as a guest of [[Israel Defense Forces|IDF]] [[Chief of General Staff (Israel)|Chief of General Staff]], [[Benny Gantz]], 27 November 2011]]
The [[First Zionist Congress]] was held in Basel in 1897, and 15 out of a total of 22 congresses were held in Switzerland. Before the establishment of the State of Israel, Switzerland maintained a consulate in Jerusalem and a consular agency in Tel Aviv. It recognized the new state in 1949 and opened a consulate in Tel Aviv, which was upgraded to an embassy in 1958. The Swiss community in Israel is the largest in the Asian region, totalling around 12,000 persons.<ref name="switzerland1">{{cite web |url=http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/reps/asia/visr/bilisr.html |title=Bilateral relations between Switzerland and Israel|publisher=Federal Department of Foreign Affairs}}</ref>

After escalation of the Middle East conflict, Switzerland halted arms sales and military cooperation with Israel from 2002 to 2005. Since 2004, there has been regular political dialogue between Switzerland and Israel.<ref name="switzerland1" />

Switzerland has represented Israel's interests in numerous countries (Hungary (1967–1989), Guinea (1967–1973), Ceylon/Sri Lanka (1970–1976), Madagascar (1973–1994), Liberia (1973–1983) and Ghana (1973–2002)). Conversely, it has represented the interests of Iran (1958–1987) and Ivory Coast (1973–1986) in Israel. It also lobbied successfully for inclusion of Magen David Adom in the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement.<ref name="switzerland1" />

On 21 April 2009, Israel recalled its ambassador for consultations due to events that occurred at the UN anti-racism conference in Geneva, Switzerland. Israeli officials, angered by a meeting between Swiss President [[Hans-Rudolf Merz]] and the Iranian president, recalled its ambassador to Switzerland, Ilan Elgar "for consultations" amid ongoing controversy over an anti-racism conference being held in Geneva.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8007440.stm Israel protests at racism talks], BBC News</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Williams |first=Dan |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-israel-switzerland-racism-sb-idUKTRE53J1LI20090420 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102125402/http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-israel-switzerland-racism-sb-idUKTRE53J1LI20090420 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 January 2016 |title=Israel recalls Switzerland envoy over racism parley |work=Reuters |date=20 April 2009}}</ref>

=== Ukraine ===
{{Main|Israel–Ukraine relations}}

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 December 1991. Israel has an embassy in [[Kyiv]]. Ukraine has an embassy in Tel Aviv and a consulate-general in Haifa. In July 2010 the foreign ministers of two countries sign an agreement of non-visa traffic between Israel and Ukraine. This came into effect on 9 February 2011 and since then Ukrainians and Israelis may enter territory, travel through it or stay on Ukraine/Israel without having to obtain visas for 90 days within a period of 180 days.

=== United Kingdom ===
{{Main|Israel–United Kingdom relations}}

Israel established [[Foreign relations of the United Kingdom|diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom]] in 1950.<ref name="britain">{{Cite web |author=[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Israel)|Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel]] |date=17 August 2024 |title=Bilateral relations |url=https://new.embassies.gov.il/england/en/the-embassy/bilateral-relations |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818013445/https://new.embassies.gov.il/england/en/the-embassy/bilateral-relations |archive-date=18 August 2024 |access-date=4 January 2025 |website=[[Embassy of Israel, London|Embassy of Israel London]]}}</ref> 
*Israel maintains an [[Embassy of Israel, London|embassy]] in London.<ref name="britain"/> 
*The United Kingdom is accredited to Israel through its [[Embassy of the United Kingdom, Tel Aviv|embassy]] in [[Tel Aviv]].<ref>{{cite web|title=British Embassy Tel Aviv|website=[[gov.uk|GOV.UK]]|url=https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-tel-aviv|access-date=4 January 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241224205200/https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-tel-aviv|archive-date=24 December 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>  

The UK governed [[Mandatory Palestine|Israel]] from 1921 until 1948, when it achieved full independence. 
Both countries share common membership of the [[OECD]], and the [[World Trade Organization]]. Bilaterally the two countries have a [[Free trade agreements of the United Kingdom|Trade and Partnership Agreement]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Odenheimer|first=Alisa|date=18 February 2019|title=U.K to Sign Post-Brexit Trade Continuity Accord with Israel|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-02-18/u-k-to-sign-post-brexit-trade-continuity-accord-with-israel|access-date=4 January 2025|website=[[Bloomberg News|Bloomberg]]|archive-date=18 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191018212155/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-02-18/u-k-to-sign-post-brexit-trade-continuity-accord-with-israel|url-status=live}}</ref> a Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement,<ref>{{cite web|author=[[Department of Health and Social Care]]|title=UK reciprocal healthcare agreements with non-EU countries|url=https://www.gov.uk/guidance/uk-reciprocal-healthcare-agreements-with-non-eu-countries|access-date=24 June 2024|website=GOV.UK|date=27 March 2024 |archive-date=13 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613092749/https://www.gov.uk/guidance/uk-reciprocal-healthcare-agreements-with-non-eu-countries#new-zealand|url-status=live}}</ref> and a Strategic Partnership.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dakers|first=Alex|title=UK-Israel strategic partnership explained as Sunak set to condemn Hamas attack|date=16 October 2023|website=[[The i Paper]]|url=https://inews.co.uk/news/why-uk-support-israel-strategic-partnership-government-gaza-conflict-2689814|access-date=4 January 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016132537/https://inews.co.uk/news/why-uk-support-israel-strategic-partnership-government-gaza-conflict-2689814|archive-date=16 October 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> The two countries are currently negotiating a new [[Israel–United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement|Free Trade Agreement]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Smout|first=Alistair|date=20 July 2022|title=Britain launches free trade talks with Israel|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/britain-launches-free-trade-talks-with-israel-2022-07-20/|website=[[Reuters]]|location=London|access-date=17 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720132738/https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/britain-launches-free-trade-talks-with-israel-2022-07-20/|archive-date=20 July 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>

Relations between the Israel and the UK began as hostile. During the [[1948 Arab–Israeli war]], Britain detained 8,000 Jewish men of military age attempting to make [[aliyah]] to Israel in Cyprus, so they could not participate in the fighting. Britain supplied weapons to the Arab states, and almost went to war with Israel. When Israel captured the Negev, the British Ministry of Defence began to draw up plans for a possible invasion of Israel. British planes spied on Israeli positions, and war between the two countries became even more possible when four British planes were shot down by Israel. However, the two countries began to soften later on, and trade began. In 1956 Israel invaded [[Sinai Peninsula]] in agreement with France and the UK that [[Suez Crisis|invaded Suez]]. Nevertheless, Anglo-Israeli relations became turbulent in the summer of 2006 when Prime Minister [[Tony Blair]], along with many other [[Politics of Europe|European]] leaders criticized [[Israel Defense Forces|IDF]] airstrikes against [[Hezbollah]] targets in Lebanon, which had high civilian casualties. During the [[David Cameron|Cameron]] premiership, relations between the two countries continued to remain close.