Philippines & Israel: Early Recognition, Strong Ties

The Philippines was the only Asian nation to vote for UN Partition Plan (1947) and recognized Israel in February 1949 (first in Asia).

Basis of Affinity

• Shared democratic values (post-WWII, post-colonial).
• U.S. alliance: Both close U.S. partners during Cold War.
• No deep-seated Muslim-Christian conflict regarding Israel (unlike Indonesia/Malaysia).
• Jewish refuge: Philippines accepted 1,300 Jewish refugees (1939) via President Quezon's "Open Doors" policy.
• Economic/tech ties: Agriculture, water, defense, IT cooperation.

Public Opinion

2017 survey: 63% favorable view of Israel (11% unfavorable)—highest in Southeast Asia.

Relations remain warm across administrations; defense & agricultural cooperation deepen.