Source: Eurasia Expert

The Eurasian Economic Union is actively expanding its network of international trade partners. A free trade agreement was concluded with Singapore in early October, the signing of an agreement with Serbia is expected by the end of the month, and negotiations with Egypt and several other countries are actively underway. Among them, Israel stands out, as its representatives have decided to follow Singapore's lead and transform the trade deal with the EAEU into a comprehensive agreement encompassing the movement of goods, services, and investments. Ze'ev Khanin, Professor of Political Science at Ariel University and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Political Science at Bar-Ilan University (Israel), assessed the most promising avenues of cooperation between Tel Aviv and the Union countries in an interview with an "Eurasia.Expert" correspondent.

– Following the September visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Russia, the decision was made to accelerate the establishment of a Free Trade Zone with the Eurasian Economic Union. How do you assess the prospects for the development of Russian-Israeli relations within the framework of the EAEU?

– Essentially, the key parameters of the declaration were outlined several years ago during the summit in Astana. Representatives of the three countries – Russia, Kazakhstan, and Belarus – stated at the time that the Eurasian Economic Union, as an economic community, would be open to other entities, and named the countries that had practically already joined it. Israel was mentioned among those very close in line. The Israeli government then declared that Jerusalem was interested in participating in this project in an economic context.

Naturally, there is a political and diplomatic component involved, but for Israel, this aligns with its foreign policy and foreign economic doctrine. This doctrine was formulated approximately 7‑8 years ago. The core idea is that in addition to Israel's main strategic allies – with the USA in first place, followed by Great Britain, Germany, and in recent years, India –

the focus should be on establishing strategic partnerships supported by economic cooperation, particularly in fields where Israel excels: high technology, agriculture, and desalination.

The country aims to align with key regional powers, such as Argentina and Brazil in Latin America, India, China, the nations of Southeast Asia, and the countries of the former USSR, with major actors highlighted such as Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan in particular, and to some extent, Ukraine.

It is clear that Israel is interested in being an associate member of such major international economic organizations. What was voiced at the meeting between Putin and Netanyahu is not even a statement of fact, but rather a lifting of the veil on a process that has been underway for the last four years.

– What will the agreement entail?

– There are two components. There is an economic bloc – the free trade zone – and a political-diplomatic alliance. Joining a political-diplomatic alliance is not on the table. The focus is on entering the free trade zone. Joining this partnership follows the model of establishing a free economic zone. This is the first priority and will undoubtedly occur. I am not certain it will happen "tomorrow," but "the day after tomorrow" – it definitely will.

– Which sectors appear most promising for cooperation between Israel and the EAEU? What makes Israel attractive to the Union's market?

– Israel, as a global laboratory, is always of interest to its partners as a source of high technology. This includes the current generation of tech, such as digital medicine, smart cities, and digital transport systems. Furthermore, it covers the next generation of biotechnology, educational technology, water resources, and defense. Additionally, it involves the development of new energy resources, deep processing, and their optimal utilization – energy in its various forms. And, of course, the humanitarian sector, meaning resource management and adapting to shifting market demands. Tourism is also a factor, naturally. Tourism is not just about leisure and economics; it is also a form of grassroots diplomacy. This is where the emphasis will lie.

– Israel supplies certain types of agricultural products to EAEU member states. Will this area also be included in the cooperation plan?

– Yes, this is happening on a large scale. Israel supplies carrots, onions, citrus fruits, avocados, and so forth. I believe it currently has a fairly broad presence in the Union's market. However, Israel is clearly prepared to fill a specific niche.

The strategic breakthrough will lie not so much in the export of agricultural products, but in agricultural technologies.

This includes desalination, water resource management, water recycling, GMP, high-yield crops, and livestock technologies – solutions that are in demand. I believe this is more relevant for the Eurasian community than the supply of Israeli potatoes.

– What makes the EAEU countries attractive to Israel?

– Primarily agricultural products, energy, and oil. It could also include certain engineering products, light industry, culture, the humanitarian sphere, and joint production. Israeli pharmaceuticals are highly sought after within the Eurasian community. The educational sphere is also quite significant.

– Could the question of Israel's membership in the EAEU be raised in the future, after the signing of the free trade zone agreement?

– I believe this question will remain on the agenda, but I do not expect a quick resolution. The complex geopolitical situation must be taken into account here.

– How do you assess Russian-Israeli relations today?

– I would not say they are as good as they could be, but they are better than ever before. We have not reached the level of an alliance, and I do not expect that to happen in the near future. However, a level of strategic partnership has already been achieved.

– In what vein are Israel and Russia building their relations regarding the Syrian issue?

– At a certain point, both sides decided to move away from an exclusive approach and adopt an inclusive one. In other words, all issues on which we cannot agree are left aside, while we focus on the points where agreement is possible.

Syria served as an interesting test in this regard. However, we must remember that six years ago, an agreement was reached between the Israeli and Russian sides regarding their respective interests. It was understood that Syria must not become a transit route for weapons to Israel's enemies, nor an Iranian military outpost against Israel. At the same time, Israel took Russian interests in Syria into account. Consequently, its own vision was also respected. To date, this mutual understanding remains intact.