Liberia: New Israeli Ambassador Renews Country’s Commitment to Strengthening Enduring Bilateral Relations with Liberia
Monrovia, Liberia – Israel’s new Ambassador to Liberia, Ghana, and Sierra Leone, Roey Gilad, has officially presented his credentials to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, marking the beginning of his diplomatic mission in the region.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, gerald.koinyeneh@fronpageafricaonline.com
In a joint interview with FrontPage Africa and the Liberian Observer shortly after submitting his credentials, Ambassador Gilad expressed gratitude for Liberia’s steadfast support for Israel in international forums. “Liberia is one of the few states that truly understands the geopolitical challenges Israel faces. The government of Liberia either abstains or votes in support of Israel, and we deeply value this cooperation,” Ambassador Gilad said.
Capacity Building as a Diplomatic Priority
Outlining his goals for strengthening bilateral ties, Ambassador Gilad emphasized Israel’s focus on capacity-building over large-scale infrastructure projects. “Our approach is to equip nations with the skills and tools they need for sustainable development. In Liberia, we aim to expand this collaboration further,” he stated.
Capacity Building as a Diplomatic Priority
Outlining his goals for strengthening bilateral ties, Ambassador Gilad emphasized Israel’s focus on capacity-building rather than large-scale infrastructure projects. “Our approach is to equip nations with the skills and tools they need for sustainable development. In Liberia, we aim to expand this collaboration further,” he stated.
The Ambassador highlighted agriculture as a cornerstone of the partnership between Liberia and Israel. Currently, 44 Liberian students are studying agriculture in Israel, and the number is expected to increase next year. While in Israel, these students have the opportunity to engage in part-time work alongside their studies, gaining practical experience. Ambassador Gilad expressed optimism that after completing their 11-month training program, these students will return with enhanced agricultural skills.
The Ambassador also hinted at potential future engagements in renewable energy. Though energy discussions were not central to his initial visit, he expressed interest in exploring opportunities for collaboration during subsequent trips. “I intend to meet with the Minister of Energy to better understand Liberia’s challenges in this field,” he remarked.
Highlighting Israel’s expertise in energy innovation, particularly its shift to natural gas, Ambassador Gilad noted the potential for sharing knowledge and technology with Liberia. However, he stressed the importance of tailoring support to Liberia’s specific needs and challenges.
Geopolitical Complexities Impacting Diplomacy
Amb Gilad took up his new assignments as his country is at war with Hamas and several enemies including Hezbollah and Iran. The war began on October 7, 2023 when Hamas-led militant groups launched a surprise attack on Israel. This included a massive rocket barrage and the infiltration of several thousand militants who breached the Gaza–Israel barrier, targeting Israeli civilian communities and military bases.
During this assault, 1,195 Israelis and foreign nationals were killed, including 815 civilians. Additionally, 251 Israelis and foreigners were taken captive and brought into Gaza, with Hamas stating that the captives were meant to pressure Israel into releasing Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
Hamas claimed that its attack was a response to Israel’s continued occupation, the blockade of Gaza, the expansion of settlements, alleged threats to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the broader plight of Palestinians. Following the attack, Israel cleared its territory of militants and launched one of the most intense bombing campaigns in modern history.
Ambassador Gilad delved into Israel’s current geopolitical challenges, detailing active conflicts on multiple fronts. “Israel is not only operating on two fronts—the conflict in Gaza against Hamas and the northern front against Hezbollah—but also addressing threats from the Houthis in Yemen, Shia militias in Iraq and Syria, and direct attacks from Iran,” he said.
There are some fields that we are better, and in those fields, we would like to be relevant to the development of Liberia.
Hon. Roey Gilad, Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone
The Ambassador disclosed that Iran launched missile attacks on Israel twice this year, on April 14 and October 1. He emphasized the direct involvement of Iran in regional instability, which he said differentiates Israel’s current security challenges from those of any other nation.
Israel’s multifaceted approach to diplomacy in Africa, Ambassador Gilad explained, includes fostering understanding of these challenges among its allies.
“What we ask of our friends in Liberia and West Africa is to understand the geo-political challenges that Israel is facing… There is no other state in the world that is facing the same challenge like us. In essence, we are second to none in the world, with this difficulty we are dealing with,” he said. Liberia is one of the few states in the world that still understands these challenges. Hence, we do enjoy support of the government of Liberia in different international forums and we deeply appreciate this relationship,” he added.
Strengthening Liberia-Israel Relations
Ambassador Gilad reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to fostering closer ties with Liberia through initiatives focused on sustainable development and capacity-building. Liberian officials are optimistic that his visit will lay the groundwork for expanded cooperation in various sectors, from agriculture to energy, underscoring the enduring partnership between the two nations amidst evolving global dynamics.
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