Israel Joins ADB: 69th Member of Asian Development Bank

Membership Overview and Process

• Israel becomes the 69th member and 20th non-regional member of ADB

• Membership approved by ADB's Board of Governors in April 2022

• Formal accession ceremony held at ADB headquarters in Manila

• Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to represent the country

• Follows multiple deadline extensions for membership requirements

• The process began with Israel attending ADB meetings as observers since 2017

• Received support from key nations, including France's backing in 2019

Strategic Implications and Benefits

• Enhances Israel's economic and diplomatic relations in Asia

• Opens new investment opportunities and access to development funds

Brings Israeli expertise in key areas:

• • Cybersecurity technology

  • Water management solutions

  • Agricultural innovation

  • Sustainable development practices

• Allows participation in regional infrastructure projects

• Provides a platform for broader Asian economic integration

• Access to ADB's loans, technical assistance, and grants

• Opportunity to contribute to regional development initiatives

Challenges and Regional Dynamics

Concerns raised about potential polarization within ADB

• Tensions with Muslim-majority member nations:

  • Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Brunei don't recognize Israel

  • The current Gaza conflict adds complexity to relationships

• Questions about political implications despite ADB's "apolitical" stance

• Some member countries may shift focus to China-led AIIB

• NGOs raise concerns about ADB's human rights considerations

• Employee code of conduct restricts political involvement

• Challenges in balancing diplomatic sensitivities with economic cooperation

Asian Development Bank Overview

• Established on 19 December 1966, it is headquartered in Manila, Philippines.

• Has 68 members and 31 field offices worldwide. (Israel new 69^th member)

• Modeled on the World Bank with a weighted voting system.

• Japan and the United States hold the largest proportion of shares at 15.571%.

• The Board of Governors is the highest policy-making body.

• Focus areas include: education, environment, climate change, disaster risk management, finance sector development, infrastructure, regional cooperation and integration, private sector lending, and regional cooperation and integration.

• The Private Sector Operations Department (PSOD) supports trade finance and financing billions of dollars in letters of credit.

• Introduced regional cooperation and integration (RCI) by President Kuroda in 2004

• Introduced private sector lending in the Reagan Administration, culminating in the Long Term Strategic Framework (LTSF) adopted by the Board in 2008.

Final Thoughts

Israel’s accession as the 69th member and 20th non-regional member of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) marks a major milestone in its growing engagement with the Asian region.

This membership opens doors for Israel to contribute its strengths in cybersecurity, water tech, and sustainable agriculture, while gaining access to development funding, infrastructure projects, and strategic partnerships across Asia.

While diplomatic sensitivities and geopolitical tensions present challenges—especially with nations that do not recognize Israel—the ADB's focus remains on economic cooperation and inclusive development.

For students, professionals, and observers of international affairs, this move reflects a deeper trend of global economic integration and shifting alliances in development finance.