Japan-Israel Relations
Courtesy Call on President of Israel Isaac Herzog by Foreign Minister MOTEGI
January 12, 2026
On January 12 commencing at 9:30 a.m. local time (4:30 p.m. on January 12, Japan time) for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Isaac Herzog, President of the State of Israel, during his visit to Israel. The overview is as follows:
- At the outset, Minister MOTEGI strongly condemned the terror attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and expressed deep concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Minister MOTEGI also stated that the robust implementation of the Comprehensive Plan is crucial for improving the situation surrounding Israel and Palestine, and Japan continues to play a proactive role.
- Minister MOTEGI also expressed Japan's serious concerns regarding the situation in the West Bank, particularly in relation to the further destabilization of the situation in the region by the expansion of settlements and the increase in settler violence, stating that settlement activities are in violation of international law. He urged Israel to exert restraint and immediately cease any unilateral actions that run counter to peace and stability of the region.
- President Herzog expressed his willingness to cooperate with Japan in various fields including the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan.
- Both sides exchanged views on a wide range of current international situations including in East Asia.