Israel will send only a small delegation to the upcoming U.N. climate summit in Brazil this November, foregoing an Israeli pavilion amid concerns over logistics, costs and the country’s diplomatic isolation.
Last year, the government invested 6.5 million shekels to showcase Israeli innovation at the climate conference in Azerbaijan. For years, Israel has sent full delegations to COP conferences, including government officials, high-tech and energy companies and environmental organizations. In Dubai two years ago, around 11 ministers planned to attend, but their participation was canceled due to the war.
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Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman at last year's summit
(Photo: Environmental Protection Ministry)
Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman, who attended the Baku summit last year, said Israel’s participation highlighted the country’s global leadership in knowledge and innovation. “Israel is a knowledge and technology powerhouse, and our commitment to ensuring a better future for coming generations remains unwavering,” she said.
The upcoming summit in Belém, on the Amazon River, is considered a “logistical nightmare” by many countries because the city is ill-prepared to host tens of thousands of delegates. Israeli officials say concerns over the war and diplomatic backlash, particularly following the arrest of climate activist Greta Thunberg in Israel, contributed to the decision not to build a national pavilion.
“Luckily we made this decision,” a Foreign Ministry official said. “This summit is becoming a nightmare, also in terms of costs. Other countries face similar challenges.” A source at an Israeli environmental NGO said the environment is “very WOKE” and there were fears of protests, creating security and diplomatic risks.
The Environment Ministry is still debating how to proceed, with costs expected to be higher than in previous years. Some environmental organizations have opted out entirely. Amit Bracha, CEO of Adam, Teva and Din, said the government has “lost interest in the climate crisis” and ministries and local authorities lack budgets and preparation due to the absence of a national climate law.
Other leaders said Israel should focus on domestic climate efforts. Mor Gilboa of the Zalul Association called for advancing an ambitious climate law. Dan Alon of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel said, “After another record-breaking summer and extreme drought, Israel must invest its resources in combating climate change and transitioning wisely to clean energy.”
Separately, a Freedom of Information request revealed that Silman has delayed appointments of environmental representatives to public bodies, including the National Parks Council, nature reserves, the Kishon River Authority, the Society for the Protection of Mediterranean Coastal Cliffs and the Israel Land Authority. Eran Ben-Yemini of Life and Environment said the lack of appointments has persisted for more than two years.
The ministry also recently postponed the 2025 Cleanliness Fund call, citing war-related budget priorities, prompting Adam, Teva and Din to petition against the decision.
The Foreign Ministry confirmed that decisions regarding Israeli participation in international conferences are made by the government, with professional issues coordinated by the relevant ministries. This year, the official delegation will be organized by the Environment Ministry.