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Israel’s Relations With the Largest Muslim Country in the World

Posted By The Media Line Staff On In Mideast Mindset

The recent announcement of an agreement between Israel and Indonesia to normalize their diplomatic relations has raised eyebrows, given the ongoing conflict in Gaza. At a time when Palestinian blood continues to be shed, the news of the largest Islamic country by population, totaling 275 million according to the 2022 census, forging ties with Israel has sparked astonishment. However, upon closer inspection, the motive behind this unexpected development becomes clearer. Indonesia’s long-standing efforts to join the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), a group of economically powerful nations focused on cooperation and knowledge exchange, have led to this diplomatic breakthrough. Membership in the OECD requires diplomatic relations with all member countries, including Israel, which necessitated the normalization of ties between Indonesia and Israel. The negotiations, which were reportedly conducted in secret over three months, underline the strategic significance of the agreement. Despite historical opposition within Indonesia toward establishing official relations with Israel, the potential benefits for both countries have outweighed domestic concerns. Israel’s persistent efforts to secure a normalization agreement with Indonesia reflect its recognition of the symbolic value associated with Indonesia as the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation. Indonesia, known for its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, now faces the challenge of revising its stance toward Tel Aviv in the wake of this agreement. This shift will require Indonesia to navigate the sentiments of its populace and political parties with sway in Parliament, who have traditionally been aligned against Israel. The path toward full normalization between Israel and Indonesia may be fraught with obstacles, but the potential benefits for both countries indicate a calculated strategic move. —Abdel Latif El-Menawy (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)