Full Breakdown
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar’s State Visit to the Czech Republic Strengthens Ties and Defends Against EU Sanctions
5/21/2026, 1:58:10 AM
Diplomatic Agenda and High-Level Meetings
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar arrived in Prague on Tuesday for a two-day state visit. He met President Petr Pavel and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Petr Macinka, and co-hosted a Czech-Israeli business forum with roughly 200 participants. The delegation included over 50 Israeli firms from defence, cyber and health sectors, such as IAI, Elbit, Rafael, Clalit and Sheba Medical Center.
Economic Cooperation and Trade Figures
Israeli-Czech trade was reported above $1.4 billion, with Israeli officials citing 2025 and Czech sources referencing 2023. Israeli tourism to the Czech Republic rose 33.4 % in 2025 to more than 250,000 visits, the fastest growth among source markets. The business forum scheduled hundreds of B2B meetings.
Defense Procurement and Technology Collaboration
Prime Minister Andrej Babiš announced a plan to sign a government-to-government deal for four additional SPYDER air-defence systems, adding to two batteries already deployed. Czech forces also operate Israeli EL/M-2084 radars and drones, reflecting ongoing procurement from firms such as Rafael and Elbit.
Official Statements & Responses
Sa’ar said the trip aims to invest in friendly countries and praised Czech backing of Israel in EU forums. Macinka pledged to block any EU trade sanctions and to stop suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Babiš emphasized the need to finalise the SPYDER deal under a G2G framework.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Trade figures differ: Israeli officials cite $1.4 billion for 2025, while Czech sources reference the same amount for 2023. No source details sector-by-sector breakdown or the final status of the SPYDER contract.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Czech Republic has consistently stood by Israel in international forums, and this visit is an opportunity to deepen cooperation in innovation, security, and economic growth,” — Gideon Sa’ar, Israeli Foreign Minister
- “My foreign policy is invest in friendly countries. And the Czech Republic is one of Israel's greatest friends,” — Gideon Sa’ar, Israeli Foreign Minister
- “The Czech Republic will stand by Israel from this moment on; we will not allow any more trade sanctions, even if we have to block it as a single country,” — Petr Macinka, Czech Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister
- “It is important that we do this as quickly as possible within the framework of a G2G agreement with Israel,” — Andrej Babiš, Czech Prime Minister
Implications for EU Policy and Regional Relations
Prague’s vow to veto EU trade sanctions positions the Czech Republic as a leading defender of Israel within the bloc, potentially shaping future votes. The stance also reinforces security cooperation and may affect the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which underpins trade and political dialogue.
Upcoming Initiatives
The ministers confirmed a joint commission on healthcare and cybersecurity, which they plan to activate soon. They also expect to finalise the SPYDER purchase and the broader G2G agreement promptly, while the business forum’s outcomes aim to launch further bilateral projects in defence, cyber and medical sectors.
