PNG’s Loyal Stand with Israel: From UN Votes to the Jerusalem Embassy

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PNG has positioned itself as one of Israel’s most loyal partners in the Pacific, both symbolically and diplomatically. In recent years, PNG has repeatedly voted with Israel at the United Nations, standing in the minority against resolutions that supported Palestinian statehood, called for ceasefires in Gaza, or condemned Israel’s military actions. At the same time, PNG took the bold step of opening an embassy in Jerusalem, a move that placed it firmly in Israel’s corner on one of the most contentious issues in global diplomacy. These gestures, though costly in terms of international perception, signal PNG’s commitment to its relationship with Israel and create a legitimate expectation of tangible benefits in return.

Prime Minister James Marape with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the official opening of PNG’s Embassy in Jerusalem — a landmark moment underscoring PNG’s loyal support for Israel on the global stage.

The United Nations voting record highlights PNG’s consistency. In 2023, 2024, and 2025, PNG joined the small cluster of countries voting against resolutions demanding ceasefires or granting enhanced status to Palestine. These votes were not taken lightly. As a small state, PNG relies on the rules-based international order to safeguard its sovereignty, and standing with Israel in controversial votes risked criticism from larger blocs. Yet, PNG demonstrated its willingness to prioritize its bilateral relationship with Israel over the mainstream consensus, showing loyalty that few other developing countries have matched.

 

Opening an embassy in Jerusalem reinforced this stance. For many states, recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital is a red line because of its disputed status under international law. By taking this step, PNG went beyond symbolic support and entered the realm of high-level political alignment. This decision differentiates PNG from its Pacific neighbours, many of whom have maintained neutrality or aligned with the majority at the UN. The embassy move was a diplomatic signal to Israel that PNG’s support is not situational, but structural.

For Israel, the value of this loyalty cannot be underestimated. Isolated in many international forums, Israel relies heavily on friends who are willing to withstand pressure and stand by its side. PNG’s consistent “No” votes and embassy in Jerusalem provide Israel with rare legitimacy from the Pacific, a region where votes at the UN can influence global tallies and where China and traditional Arab partners have sought to expand their own influence. By supporting Israel in visible ways, PNG has carved out a unique role as a small but significant ally.

In return, Israel has both an opportunity and an obligation to reciprocate. PNG’s most pressing needs are not symbolic, but developmental and security-focused. Israel could reward PNG by extending meaningful assistance in areas where it has global expertise: agriculture, water management, renewable energy, health technology, and education. Such support would directly improve living standards in PNG, demonstrating to the public that loyalty in foreign policy yields tangible dividends. For example, Israeli agricultural technology could help PNG address food security challenges and adapt to climate change.

On the security front, Israel could play a transformative role in strengthening PNG’s institutions. The National Intelligence Organization, police, and defense forces all face capacity shortfalls that hinder their ability to address transnational crime, border insecurity, and cyber threats. Israeli assistance in intelligence training, signals monitoring, and cyber defense could modernize PNG’s security sector. Such support would not only enhance PNG’s resilience but also showcase Israel as a partner that delivers beyond rhetoric.

Diplomatically, Israel could also facilitate PNG’s integration into global networks. Scholarship programs, academic exchanges, and technical training would help build human capital in PNG, creating long-term benefits that align with PNG’s Vision 2050 and its development strategies. Furthermore, supporting PNG in multilateral arenas—such as climate negotiations, health partnerships, or technology transfer initiatives—would reinforce the idea that Israel recognizes and values its allies.

Ultimately, PNG’s alignment with Israel has come with risks, including potential friction with Arab states, neighbouring Indonesia, and international partners that favour the Palestinian cause. For PNG, the strategic question is whether these risks are offset by gains. If Israel reciprocates with meaningful assistance in development, security, and capacity building, PNG will be able to justify its loyalty as a calculated choice that advances its national interest. The relationship then becomes more than symbolic; it becomes a model of how small states can leverage diplomatic alignment into concrete national benefits. 

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