Strategic Assessment

The relevance of climate change to national security commands a lower profile in Israel than elsewhere. Still, despite Israel’s crowded security agenda, the climate change issue merits at least some attention by the country’s national security policymakers. In addition to risks, climate change offers Israel geopolitical opportunities. Israeli technologies for climate change adaptation are already in high demand among emerging powers, and adaptation technologies could also be a tool for building ties with states with which Israel does not have diplomatic relations. Government ministries have been active in marketing Israel’s adaptation technologies to maximize benefits for the economy. Now, relevant policymakers should address how to maximize the geopolitical upside. To that end, a task force should convene to discuss whether, and how, to channel technologies toward destination countries identified as strategic priorities.