Nauru Opens Embassy in Jerusalem

Nauru has opened its embassy in Jerusalem, joining a small group of countries that have made the symbolic move in support of Israel’s sovereignty over the disputed city.

“We view the opening of the embassy here in Jerusalem not only as strengthening our relations with Israel, but also as a message to the world about our position,” Nauru’s Vice President and Foreign Minister Lionel Aingimea said.

Most countries continue to keep their embassies in Tel Aviv. They argue that Jerusalem’s status should be determined through a final agreement resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel occupied East Jerusalem and annexed it in 1967, but most of the international community has not recognized the move.

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We view the opening of the embassy here in Jerusalem not only as strengthening our relations with Israel, but also as a message to the world about our position.

Nauru’s decision follows the example set by U.S. President Donald Trump, who moved the American embassy to Jerusalem in 2018 during his first term. The city is home to Israel’s parliament, the prime minister’s office and most other key government institutions.

Only a handful of small countries with ties to the United States have followed since then, including Fiji, Guatemala, Honduras, Papua New Guinea and Paraguay. Kosovo and Somaliland, which are not United Nations members, have also opened missions in Jerusalem.

At Monday’s inauguration ceremony, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar called Nauru “one of Israel’s best friends.” He said other countries would soon follow, pointing to Colombia, which he said should open an embassy in early October. Colombia has not confirmed a date, although its new far-right president, Abelardo de la Espriella, announced the move in July. The Democratic Republic of Congo also said last week that it would move its Israeli embassy to Jerusalem, while Argentine President Javier Milei has pledged to do the same.

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One of Israel’s best friends.