Hananya Naftali
Mar 18, 2023
Israel’s Relationship with NATO
The Short Answer
No. Israel is not a member of NATO and is not covered by its Article 5 mutual defense guarantee. But Israel is a close NATO partner through the Mediterranean Dialogue, which it joined when the program launched in 1994. Israel has had an official mission at NATO headquarters in Brussels since 2016.
How Israel Works With NATO
Through the Mediterranean Dialogue, Israel takes part in joint exercises, counterterrorism cooperation, cyber defense and emergency planning with NATO countries. Israel has also shared its experience in missile defense and fighting terrorism.
Israel's closest military ally is the United States, which named Israel a Major Non NATO Ally in the late 1980s. That status gives Israel privileges in defense cooperation without NATO membership.
Why Israel Defends Itself
Israel has always relied on its own army to defend itself. Even without a NATO guarantee, it has the strongest military in the Middle East. Read more: Why Does the US Support Israel?
Key Facts
Israel is not a NATO member.
Israel joined NATO's Mediterranean Dialogue in 1994.
Israel has had a mission at NATO headquarters since 2016.
The United States treats Israel as a Major Non NATO Ally.