At a time of sustained geopolitical volatility, ELNET convened more than 30 European Ambassadors and Deputy Heads of Mission in Israel for its latest Ambassador Breakfast – an exclusive forum designed to foster candid, high-level exchange between Israeli experts and European official representatives.
Ambassador Mike Herzog
The keynote address was delivered by Amb. Mike Herzog, former Israeli Ambassador to the United States and former Chair of ELNET’s Forum of Strategic Dialogues. Drawing on decades of diplomatic and security experience, Herzog offered a clear-eyed assessment of Israel’s strategic environment and the evolving dynamics shaping Europe-Israel relations.
A central message emerging from his remarks was the need for stronger, more consistent strategic engagement between Israel and Europe.
While acknowledging ongoing policy divergences, Herzog stressed that these differences should not overshadow the depth of shared interests, particularly in security cooperation, technological innovation, and democratic resilience.
Practical Partnerships
He highlighted that effective partnerships today require moving beyond declarations toward practical coordination and sustained dialogue. Maintaining open communication channels – especially during periods of tension – is essential to ensuring long-term stability in Europe-Israel cooperation. In this context, the role of European diplomatic missions in Israel remains critical for shaping informed policymaking across European capitals.
Amb. Herzog also emphasized the importance of strategic clarity and patience in addressing regional challenges. While the discussion remained confidential, his intervention underscored the complexity of the Middle East and the need for continued alignment between Israel and European partners on key security and geopolitical issues.
The exchange that followed reflected strong engagement from participants, who brought diverse perspectives while maintaining a shared commitment to constructive dialogue. The ELNET Ambassador Breakfast format enabled a level of openness rarely possible in formal diplomatic settings, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of both convergences and disagreements.
Forward Looking
In an increasingly fragmented global landscape, platforms such as ELNET’s Ambassador Breakfast play a vital role in strengthening Europe-Israel dialogue and bond. By facilitating direct, trusted exchanges between Israeli experts and European representatives, ELNET continues to reinforce the foundations of bilateral cooperation – ensuring that relations remain grounded in shared values, pragmatic engagement, and long-term strategic alignment.