Nauru to Establish Embassy in Jerusalem, Joining a Small Group of Nations

Nauru announced that it will open an embassy in Jerusalem, making it the tenth country to locate a diplomatic mission in the contested city. The decision follows a meeting in Fiji between Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Nauru’s deputy president and foreign affairs minister Lionel Aingimea. Nauru’s cabinet has approved a scoping mission to assess the diplomatic, operational and logistical requirements for the embassy, which is expected to open in the coming months.

Times of IsraelThe Jerusalem PostNaoero’s diplomatic leap towards Israel

Nauru has long been a vocal supporter of Israel in international forums. It recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in 2019 and consistently backs Israel at the United Nations. In 2023, Israel’s prime minister highlighted Nauru’s support, and the island nation filed a political opinion in Israel’s favor in the International Court of Justice case concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel is represented in Nauru by a non-resident ambassador based in Fiji. Nauru’s population is about 12,000, making the embassy its first diplomatic mission in Israel.

Times of IsraelThe Jerusalem PostThe OIC Strongly Condemns Nauru’s Decision to Open an Embassy to the Israeli Occupying Authorities in the Occupied City of Jerusalem.

• Gideon Sa’ar – “Nauru is a true friend of Israel, and the opening of the embassy will undoubtedly contribute to deepening the relations between the countries.” “Nauru is a true friend of Israel, and the opening of the embassy will undoubtedly contribute to deepening the relations between the countries,” — Gideon Sa’ar, foreign minister

Times of IsraelThe Jerusalem PostNaoero’s diplomatic leap towards Israel

• Sa’ar’s office pledged full assistance from Israel’s Foreign Ministry to expedite the embassy’s establishment.

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• Lionel Aingimea, speaking after the Fiji meeting, affirmed Nauru’s commitment to expanding global partnerships through the new diplomatic presence.

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The General Secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation condemned Nauru’s decision, labeling it a violation of international law and United Nations Security Council Resolutions 476 (1980) and 478 (1980). The Secretariat called on Nauru to reverse the decision and adhere to UN Charter obligations, arguing that the move undermines efforts toward a two-state solution.

The OIC Strongly Condemns Nauru’s Decision to Open an Embassy to the Israeli Occupying Authorities in the Occupied City of Jerusalem.

Nauru’s scoping team will travel to Israel to evaluate site selection, staffing and security arrangements. Upon completion of the assessment, the government will finalize the embassy’s location and appoint an ambassador, with the opening slated for the near future. The development adds to a growing, though limited, list of Pacific states—such as Papua New Guinea (2023) and Fiji (2025)—that maintain resident embassies in Jerusalem.

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