NATO Special Representative Concludes Visit to Israel
The NATO special representative for the Southern Neighbourhood concluded his first official trip to Israel from January 19 to January 21, 2026, engaging senior Israeli officials on regional security and cooperation. The visit focused on stability in the Middle East and NATO’s ongoing ties with partners in the region.
NATO’s Secretary General’s Special Representative Javier Colomina met with senior officials from Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence and the National Security Council during the three-day visit. Discussions centered on regional security concerns, bilateral cooperation and activity by Iran that NATO sees as destabilizing.
Colomina stressed the importance of regional stability and reaffirmed NATO’s commitment to advancing dialogue and cooperation with partners in the Middle East, North Africa and Sahel. In remarks at the close of the visit, he underscored NATO’s intent to work with all partners to contribute to security and stability in the broader region.
Talks with Israeli Officials
In meetings with senior figures from Israel’s defence and foreign policy establishment, the NATO envoy addressed current threats and shared assessments on regional security dynamics, including Iranian influence and activity. The talks aimed to strengthen NATO’s strategic communication and cooperation frameworks with Israel, a key partner on security issues outside the alliance structure.
The discussions did not result in public announcements of new initiatives or joint projects, but focused on continued dialogue and reinforcing NATO’s presence in the Middle East through diplomatic channels.
NATO’s Southern Neighbourhood Role
Colomina’s role as special representative covers NATO engagement with partner states across the Middle East, North Africa and the Sahel, a remit the alliance expanded in recent years to increase cooperation and visibility in regions beyond the North Atlantic. His visit to Israel follows engagements with other regional partners including Egypt earlier in January and Tunisia in 2025.
NATO has been active in promoting dialogue through the Mediterranean Dialogue and Istanbul Cooperation Initiative frameworks, which aim to enhance political and security cooperation with non-member states in the region.
Regional Context
The visit comes amid ongoing tensions across the Middle East, with ongoing concerns over Iranian regional activity and its impact on stability. NATO officials have previously welcomed ceasefires and diplomatic efforts in conflicts such as the Israel-Hamas situation, framing them as important steps toward reducing broader regional instability.
Relations between NATO and Israel are centered on cooperation rather than formal alliance membership, as Israel is not a NATO member but a partner state engaged in dialogue on security issues.
What Comes Next
NATO continues scheduled engagements in the region, as part of its Southern Neighbourhood Action Plan. Future NATO meetings with regional partners are expected, linked to wider alliance policy discussions and ministerial meetings planned for early 2026.
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