Which Countries Stand Behind Israel? A Global Map of Diplomacy and Solidarity

Israel’s resilience on the world stage is mirrored in the consistent international backing it receives, particularly from nations aligned with its security, democratic values, and strategic interests. While opinions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remain deeply polarized, discrete patterns of governmental support reveal a constellation of key allies spanning continents—from North America to Europe, the Gulf, and the Global South. From unwavering security partnerships to vocal political endorsements, the countries that stand with Israel reflect a complex web of shared principles, historical ties, and geopolitical strategy.

North America: The Cornerstone of Israeli Diplomacy The United States remains Israel’s most steadfast and influential backer, providing not only diplomatic cover but also sustained military, economic, and technological support. Since the founding of the state, U.S.-Israel relations have been characterized by bipartisan consensus, with successive administrations affirming Israel’s right to exist within secure borders. In 2023, the U.S.

pledged over $3.8 billion in military aid under the Excellence in Defense agreement, ensuring Israel’s qualitative military edge remains unmatched. Beyond military cooperation, Washington frequently backs Israeli positions at the United Nations and other multilateral forums. Senior U.S.

officials, including Secretaries of State and National Security Advisors, routinely condemn unilateral Iranian activities and advocate for a strong Israeli voice in regional diplomacy. This alignment extends to intelligence sharing, cybersecurity collaboration, and joint defense innovation—proof of a relationship built on trust and mutual interest. “Israel is not just a strategic ally; it is a nation whose survival and prosperity align with enduring American values,” said U.S.

Ambassador to Israel Eric Schwitzgebel in 2022, underscoring the depth of bilateral commitment. Other Western allies reinforce this trsupport, though with varying signatures. The United Kingdom, rooted in centuries-old historical and linguistic ties, consistently champions Israel’s stance in the UN and within the European Union.

Canada maintains a firm pro-Israel position, often joining U.S. resolutions and providing diplomatic backing amid regional tensions. Australia and New Zealand, while geographically distant, have echoed Western consensus, emphasizing Israel’s right to self-defense and condemning anti-Israel rhetoric.

Europe: Divided Loyalties, Enduring Partnerships Across the Atlantic, European support for Israel is more fragmented yet strategically significant. Germany, shaped by its historical reckoning with the Holocaust, has become a vocal defender of Israel’s safety against militant threats. Berlin supplies advanced defense technologies and votes in favor of Israeli security positions at the UN, even amid broader EU debates on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

France, despite periodic tensions with Israeli policies, maintains robust defense and nuclear cooperation—though Paris balances its Mediterranean diplomacy with deeper ties to Arab states. Italian governments, particularly the more conservative political currents, frequently declare sympathy for Israel, often citing shared democratic values and Western civilizational alignment. In Eastern Europe, countries like Poland and Hungary express strong solidarity.

Poland, historically sensitive to authoritarianism and regional instability, has championed Israel’s narrative on Iran’s nuclear ambitions and Hamas terrorism. Hungary under Viktor Orbán has repeatedly condemned international criticism of Israel as antisemitic, reinforcing a narrative of alliance against perceived geopolitical campaigns. Yet not all European nations echo this support unconditionally.

Nordic states, France and others, often emphasize human rights and Palestinian aspirations, pushing for more balanced diplomacy. Nevertheless, core EU institutions maintain formal backing for Israel’s right to defend itself—a reflection of broader Western outlooks. The Gulf and Middle East: Emerging Strong Ties Amid Shifting Alliances In the Arab world, the once-unified opposition to Israel has fragmented amid evolving regional dynamics.

Saudi Arabia, under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has pursued a historic pivot, normalizing relations with Tel Aviv while hedging on full normalization pending Palestinian statehood. In 2020, the Abraham Accords marked a turning point, with Israel engaging preliminarily with Abu Dhabi and Dubai—marking a new era of economic, technological, and potentially security cooperation. UAE leadership, similarly, has embraced Israel as a gateway for regional stability and advancement.

The two nations co-hosted joint innovation forums, signed agricultural and water technology deals, and facilitated quiet intelligence coordination against Iran and its proxies. These developments signal a cautious but tangible shift from past hostility. Other Gulf Cooperation Council states, while cautious, maintain discreet coordination with Israel.

Qatar, despite its Hamas ties, engages Israel diplomatically to support regional de-escalation. Jordan, a key peace treaty signatory, remains Israel’s most consistent Arab neighbor with robust, if underpublicized, security and intelligence cooperation. Beyond the Arab core, nations in the Global South reveal surprising layers of support.

India, a major arms buyer, balances strategic autonomy with growing defense and technology partnerships—acquiring Israeli drones and cybersecurity solutions critical to regional deterrence. Brazil and South Africa occasionally voice solidarity at multilateral forums, framing Israel’s security within international law, though without formal normalization. The Role of International Institutions and Multilateral Support Beyond national governments, Israel benefits from influence within global institutions.

At the UN Human Rights Council and various UN agencies, numerous countries—including some non-allied—have backed Israeli actions in self-defense while opposing one