Israel is actively seeking to expand its strategic alliances, leveraging what it describes as 'unique experience in missile defense, counter-drone warfare, cybersecurity, intelligence integration and national resilience,' capabilities stated to have been developed under 'harsh conditions' in its region. This push for new partnerships comes as Japan undergoes a significant strategic transformation, described as its most substantial security shift since the end of World War II, which began in its fifth year.
Japan's strategic awakening is driven by concerns over China’s military buildup, North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and growing tensions around Taiwan. Tokyo is re-evaluating its security doctrine, leading to a sharp increase in defense spending, acquisition of new capabilities, strengthening of intelligence structures, and centralization of strategic decision-making. The writer, Israel’s ambassador-designate to Japan, notes that Japan is redefining self-defense for a more dangerous world, rather than abandoning its pacifist traditions.
Strategic Alignments
Both Israel and Japan are characterized as democracies operating in regions pressured by authoritarian powers. Israel faces Iran and its proxies, while Japan confronts China, North Korea, and Russia. The two countries also maintain close working relationships with the United States, whose alliances and partnerships are described as central to stability in both the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific.
The cooperation among China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea is noted as growing, despite not being a formal alliance. Iran has supplied drones to Russia, and North Korea has supported Moscow’s war effort. China provides diplomatic and economic backing to both Russia and Iran, while Tehran and Pyongyang have a history of cooperation on missile technology and sanctions evasion. This increasing interconnectedness means that developments in East Asia are becoming more relevant to the Middle East, and vice versa.
For Japan, Iran is no longer viewed solely as a Middle Eastern country and a potential energy supplier. Its expanding cooperation with other powers is making Middle Eastern developments increasingly pertinent to Japan’s broader security environment. The Middle East itself is also undergoing changes, according to the ambassador-designate.
Leveraging 'Defense Experience'
The Abraham Accords are highlighted as having created a new framework for regional cooperation. Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco are developing partnerships across various sectors, including technology, infrastructure, trade, energy, and security. This is presented not only as an Arab-Israeli development but also as part of a wider shift toward connectivity between Asia, the Gulf, Israel, and Europe.
Critical minerals are identified as a key component of this strategic shift. The future of power is seen as dependent not only on traditional energy sources like oil and gas, but also on semiconductors, rare earths, batteries, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and secure supply chains. Japan, Israel, and the Abraham Accords countries are described as understanding this dynamic, with heavy investments in advanced technologies, logistics, cybersecurity, and economic diversification.
Israel is positioned as bringing 'unique experience' in specific defense and security domains. These include missile defense, counter-drone warfare, cybersecurity, intelligence integration, and national resilience. These capabilities, developed under 'harsh conditions,' are presented as increasingly relevant to countries facing new forms of warfare and strategic competition. Japan, in turn, contributes technological sophistication, industrial capacity, economic strength, and a growing ability to contribute to regional security. The potential for cooperation between Japan and Israel is identified in areas such as critical infrastructure, cyber resilience, maritime security, supply-chain protection, critical minerals, and defense innovation.
Expanding Strategic Reach
The opportunity for cooperation extends beyond bilateral relations. Projects such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor are cited as offering a framework for connecting India, the Gulf, Israel, and Europe through transportation, energy, digital, and technological networks. This initiative is described as more than just an infrastructure project; it is framed as a strategic endeavor designed to strengthen connectivity, secure supply chains, and reduce dependence on authoritarian powers.
The writer concludes by stating that Israel’s foreign policy conversation has historically focused almost exclusively on the United States, Europe, and its immediate neighborhood. While these arenas will remain essential, the future of global politics is increasingly expected to be shaped in Asia. Japan, as a leading democracy, a significant American ally, and an advanced technological power, is presented as a crucial part of this shift. Its strategic awakening is therefore framed as an 'opportunity for Israel.'