Establishment of Relations:
The Kingdom of Tonga and the State of Israel
have sustained diplomatic relations since 1977.
Current Ambassador:
His Excellency Ambassador Ran
Yaakoby is currently Non-Resident Ambassador to the Kingdom of Tonga following
the presentation of his credentials to His Majesty Tupou VI in September 2021.
Ambassador Yaakoby was preceded by Ambassador Dr Itzhak Gerberg who served as Non-Resident Ambassador to the Kingdom
of Tonga following the presentation of his credentials in June 2017. Ambassador
Yosef Livne was Ambassador Gerberg’s predecessor who presented his
credentials to King Tupou the VI in 2013. Earlier in 2011 Ambassador Shemi
Tzur presented his credentials to King George Tupou V.
Visa and immigration arrangements:
Tongan passport holders travelling to Israel for a
visit (Business/Tourist) of 90 days or less do not require a visa. Only
those traveling to Israel Employment/Work/Student require a visa. This visa
waiver agreement came into force in April 2017.
Common Interests:
Economic cooperation between
Israel and Tonga is advancing with new connections being formed across primary
industries, with Israeli assistance focused largely on health and development
sectors. In 2012 a Tongan delegation toured the Hadassah Medical Centre in
Jerusalem. Experts from CINADCO (the Centre for International Agricultural
Development Cooperation of Israel's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Development), gave a demonstration on-farm and greenhouse technologies.
Aid and MASHAV:
Israel Sends Aid to Tonga:
On Monday,
January 31st the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs together with MASHAV,
Israel's Agency for International Development Cooperation, donated a
substantial amount of food aid to the children of Tonga, impacted by the
devastating volcanic eruption and tsunami on January 15th. His Excellency
Ambassador Ran Yaakoby presented the donation to the Co-Chair of the Aotearoa Tonga
Relief Committee Hon Jenny Salesa MP. The list of food items were sent upon the
request of Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni.
In 2011
Reuven Rivlin on behalf of the State of Israel made a large donation of medical
supplies for the treatment of diabetes to the Tongan Ministry of
Health. Israel has given a number of donations through the Insulin
for Life charity in an effort to improve the availability of insulin to the
people of Tonga who cannot afford or access Insulin and diabetes supplies.
Israel also works with
Tonga in areas of Education and Sports. In 2013 Ambassador Yosef Livne
presented the Minister for Sport with a donation of soccer equipment from the
Reagen Milstein Foundation.
Recent Official Visits:
Tonga to Israel:
August 2012 The Tongan Prime Minister visited Israel, accompanied by the
Ministers of Education, Minister of Health and the CEO of the Prime Minister's
Office. During this visit they met with the Israeli President, Prime Minister, and
the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Israel to Tonga:
June 2017 Ambassador Dr Itzhak Gerberg joined by his wife Shifra Gerberg, presents his credentials to His Majesty Tupou VI, King of Tonga.
April 2016 Farewell
visit of Ambassador Yosef Livne.
July 2015 The King of Tonga, Tupou VI, was formally crowned at the Free
Wesleyan Centenary Church in the capital, Nuku'alofa. His Excellency Yosef
Livne attended the coronation describing it as "a very solemn and well
organized series of events where all who took part could appreciate the
traditions of the people of Tonga."
November 2013 Israeli Ambassador Yosef Livne presented his
credentials to King Tupou the VI. meeting
with the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Health and CEO for Agriculture,
Food, Forrest and Fisheries.
January 2013 Farewell visit of Ambassador Shemi Tzur.
March 2012 Ambassador Shemi Tzur attended the funeral of King George
Tupou the V.
April 2011 The then Speaker of the Israeli Knesset, Mr Reuven Rivlin
(current President of Israel) made an official visit to the Kingdom of Tonga.
March 2011 Ambassador Shemi Tzur presented his credentials
to King George Tupou V.