Meeting Minister of Defence of the State of Israel Israel Katz, Minister of National Defence discussed principal topics of bilateral cooperation. Lithuania is inviting Israel to cooperate in developing defence industry in Lithuania and proposes good investment conditions for Israeli companies to advance that purpose. Lithuania also aim to learn from Israel’s experience in total defence and reservist force enhancement, as well as to develop security and defence dialogue across all levels.
“With the rapidly changing geopolitical environment in mind, Lithuania and Israel bear more similarities than differences. We wish to learn from their experience gained in the period of a difficult war and apply it in Lithuania. Israel has strategic meaning to us, their military were seasoned in warfare, through painful experience in defence of their people. It is especially important to learn from this real-life experience rather than of a paper army that does not know what it actually is to defend its country,” said Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė.
According to D. Šakalienė, both countries are facing similar security threats and the sources of those partner with each other closely and exchange experience. A tighter cooperation with Israel will allow Lithuania not just to bust its defence capabilities but also to contribute to the wider international deterrence strategy and facilitate security of both countries for the long-term.
Lithuania is also interested in Israel’s experience in recruit attraction, improving motivation, application of high-tech products and innovation testing system installation. Such expertise put in practice would significantly improve Lithuania’s defence capabilities.
“Small countries who have aggressive neighbors, such as Lithuania and Israel, are united by the fighting spirit – defence of our land and peoples. My goal is to have a military that is not for one battle only but the one which wins the entire war,” Minister D. Šakalienė underscored.
On April 26–29 Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė is conducting a visit to Israel. It is the first trip of a Lithuanian Minister of National Defence to Israel in 14. Minister has met with Minister of Defence of Israel Israel Katz, Chair of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee of the Knesset Yuli Yoel Edelstein, members of SIBAT, the International Defense Cooperation Directorate at Israel’s Ministry of Defense (IMOD), and defence industry. D. Šakalienė will also visit the Yad Vashem Memorial to pay tribute to the victims of the Holocaust.
Lithuania and Israel maintain a close political dialogue and cooperation on cyber security and defence industry, as well as joint force upgrading projects. Israel has posted its first Defence Attaché to Lithuania in February 2025.
Photo credits: Ministry of Defence of Israel
