Israel is poised to become the newest member of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), despite internal apprehensions regarding its ongoing military actions in Gaza. This move marks a significant development as many ADB member countries have been openly critical of Israel’s military campaign and some do not even recognise its sovereignty.
Rumours about Israel’s entry into the ADB have circulated for months within the bank’s Manila headquarters. Multiple sources indicate that a formal announcement could come in the next few days.
An ADB spokesperson confirmed to TIME that Israel’s application process is “ongoing,” stating, “A decision will be announced when the process is completed.”
Ohad Niepris, a spokesperson for Israel’s Ministry of Finance, added, “Israel completed the requirements for ADB membership at the beginning of September and is looking forward to officially joining the Bank.”
However, several ADB employees, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed their concerns about Israel’s impending membership, particularly in light of its military actions against Palestinians. “Many of us were shocked to learn about the extension allowing Israel to join while it is involved in aggression against Palestinians,” said one employee. “It feels tactless, both in timing and context.”
Israel has been working towards ADB membership since it was initially approved in April 2022. The country aims to enhance its influence in Asia, leveraging its expertise in areas like water management, which it has shared with other international institutions.
Jianzhi Zhao, an associate professor at the University of Exeter, commented on the situation, describing Israel’s potential ADB membership as a “win-win” for both parties from a development perspective. Israel’s finance ministry representatives have attended ADB annual meetings as observers since 2017.
Although Israel was initially granted membership in 2022, it has faced multiple deadline extensions. It missed the first deadline of December 31, 2022, and subsequently received an extension after the escalation of conflict following Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023.
While ADB maintains that its operations are apolitical, the timing of Israel’s entry raises questions about international politics. Several ADB member countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Pakistan, have voiced strong opposition to Israel’s actions and do not recognise its statehood.
In the past, the ADB has suspended projects in countries due to political crises, as seen in Myanmar and Afghanistan. Yet, there is concern among staff about why Israel’s recent actions have not triggered similar scrutiny.
“There’s an inherent contradiction here,” an ADB employee remarked. “Accepting a member that violates international law seems hypocritical.”
Niepris defended Israel’s membership, stating that the country is committed to working collaboratively with ADB members to promote sustainable development and reduce poverty across Asia.
As Israel’s addition to the ADB looms, employees are worried about the potential implications for the bank’s reputation and how it might affect operations in regions sensitive to Israel’s actions. “This decision could tarnish the ADB’s image as an institution focused on the needs of Asian countries,” noted one employee.
