Wellington:New Zealand's main opposition, the Labour Party, has raised concerns regarding the government's stance after Israel's acceptance as a partner of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). This development follows Israel's Foreign Ministry announcement that the PIF Secretary General, Baron Divavesi Waqa, informed Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar of Tel Aviv's acceptance as a Forum Partner.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, the decision was reached during a meeting of the PIF member states' leaders in Palau last month. Gideon Sa'ar had previously visited Fiji in June, where he met with Waqa to formally request Israel's partnership with the 18-member forum.
Vanushi Walters, the New Zealand Labour Party's Foreign Affairs spokeswoman, stated that her party would have opposed Israel's inclusion in the PIF had they been in government. Walters also mentioned that Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed his intentions to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should he visit New Zealand. This sentiment was echoed by Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins during an election debate. Walters emphasized the need for the prime minister to clarify the circumstances surrounding Israel's admission and New Zealand's response.
The controversy arises amidst New Zealand's general elections scheduled for later this month and the upcoming PIF summit in Wellington next year. The PIF has yet to release a formal statement on Israel's new status. However, the forum noted that Waqa and other members had their first briefing with Israel on MASHAV Development Cooperation at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva, Fiji, with the attendance of Israel's ambassador to Fiji, Maya Yaron, and Eynat Shlein, head of MASHAV.
Under the new partnership, Israel will engage in the PIF's Sectoral Partnership Stream, focusing on cooperation in areas like water management, agriculture, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development. The partnership aims to develop a Partnership Action and Commitment Plan (PACE Plan) to address regional priorities using Israel's expertise.