Indonesia Offers Ties With Israel—On One Major Condition

In a potentially historic development, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced that his country is open to establishing diplomatic relations with Israel—if Israel formally recognizes an independent Palestinian state. His statement, made during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, marks the clearest signal yet of Indonesia’s willingness to reshape its long-standing policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“We must acknowledge Israel’s right to exist as a sovereign nation, while also ensuring its legitimate security needs,” Prabowo said. At the same time, he emphasized that full normalization would hinge on progress toward Palestinian statehood.

Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, has historically refused to establish formal ties with Israel, citing its commitment to the Palestinian cause. While unofficial economic and security contacts have occasionally taken place, diplomatic relations have remained off the table.

The remarks come amid heightened global pressure to reinvigorate efforts toward a two-state solution. President Macron reiterated France’s unwavering support for such an outcome, stating, “A just and lasting peace requires the recognition of both a secure Israel and a viable, sovereign Palestinian state.”

Israel has yet to respond formally to Prabowo’s statement. However, the conditional offer introduces a new diplomatic avenue that could shift dynamics in the broader Middle East and Southeast Asia.

If followed by concrete negotiations, the move could not only bridge a decades-old diplomatic gap but also bring Indonesia closer to the Abraham Accords framework—though on its own terms.