Lithuania rules out recognition of Palestine

A top adviser to Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has defended the recent visit by Israeli President Isaac Herzog, describing it as "truly necessary" despite mounting international criticism of Israel's military operations in Gaza.

Deividas Matulionis, the president's chief adviser on national security, emphasised that maintaining diplomatic engagement with Israel remains vital for Lithuania’s strategic interests, Caliber.Az reports, citing Lithuanian media.

“Under the circumstances, I believe the visit was truly necessary,” Matulionis stated. “We understand the protesters, of course, but at this time, the question of recognising Palestine is not on our agenda.”

President Herzog met with Nausėda on August 4 in Vilnius, with discussions reportedly focusing on strengthening bilateral defence ties and deepening economic cooperation. Herzog’s trip, initially scheduled for 2024, had been postponed due to the outbreak of large-scale hostilities in Gaza.

While the timing of the visit has sparked public debate, Matulionis dismissed suggestions that it reflected a shift in the regional status quo. “I wouldn’t say the tension has eased. The fighting is still ongoing,” he said.

He reaffirmed Lithuania’s official stance that Israel retains the right to self-defence following the October 2023 Hamas attack, which triggered the current conflict. However, he also underscored the importance of abiding by humanitarian principles.

“Israel must also respect international law and allow humanitarian aid to reach the Gaza Strip, where civilians are facing starvation,” he said.

Lithuania considers Israel a strategic partner, particularly in areas of defence procurement and technological innovation. “Our relationship with Israel is important,” Matulionis continued. “It is a key economic partner and an important partner in the supply of military equipment. We also seek to maintain contact with the Litvak community.”

He further highlighted the value of scientific cooperation, noting that Lithuanian researchers could benefit from closer engagement with Israel’s thriving innovation ecosystem. “Israel’s investments in research and innovation” represent opportunities for knowledge exchange, he suggested.

President Herzog’s visit comes amid intensified global scrutiny of Israel’s military conduct in Gaza. While Israeli authorities maintain their campaign is aimed at dismantling Hamas—deemed a terrorist organisation by Israel, the United States, and the European Union—critics have denounced the response as vastly disproportionate.

According to health officials in Gaza, over 60,000 people—predominantly civilians—have been killed since Israel launched its military operation.

Herzog is the first Israeli president to visit Lithuania since Shimon Peres’s historic visit in 2013.

By Vafa Guliyeva