For many evangelicals in the South Pacific, the return of Jews to Israel is a condition for the second coming of Jesus. This belief is influencing the diplomatic choices of several governments in the region, which have been opening embassies in Jerusalem, experts and former diplomats told AFP. Despite Israel and the South Pacific nations having little in common culturally, several of these countries are making this decision based on religious motivations.
Earlier this month, Nauru opened an embassy in Jerusalem. The small island nation thus joined Papua New Guinea and Fiji in a very small group of countries that have taken this step. Only seven countries in the entire world have established their embassies in Israel's holy city.
Samoa is another country expected to follow the same path. The South Pacific nation has expressed its intention to also open its diplomatic representation in Jerusalem, aligning itself with the trend observed among some countries in the region. This decision contrasts with the position of most nations, which maintain their embassies in Tel Aviv.
