Bilateral relations Switzerland–Israel
Switzerland and Israel maintain good and stable bilateral relations. Relations between Switzerland and Israel cover a wide range of areas, including politics, economic affairs, science, innovation, education, culture and sport, as well as cooperation in the fields of peace, democracy and human rights, the fight against antisemitism, and Holocaust remembrance. Over 25,000 Swiss nationals live in Israel, making it the world’s second-largest Swiss community in proportion to the host country’s total population.
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
Switzerland and Israel are connected by long-standing and multifaceted bilateral relations. Exchanges between the two countries cover a wide range of areas – from politics, business, science, innovation and education to culture, sport and cooperation on issues relating to peace, democracy and human rights. In addition, the joint efforts to combat antisemitism and promote Holocaust remembrance are of particular importance.
The two Swiss honorary consulates in Haifa and Eilat, together with the Embassy, provide support to the more than 25,000 Swiss citizens in Israel.
Economic cooperation
Economic ties between Switzerland and Israel are strong. Israel is Switzerland's third-largest trading partner in the MENA region (2025). Both countries are highly innovative exporting nations. Switzerland’s main exports to Israel are pharmaceutical products, whilst its imports from Israel consist primarily of precious metals. The trade balance is in Switzerland's favour. Swiss expertise and Israel's dynamic start-up ecosystem complement each other perfectly, opening up access to innovations and new markets. Switzerland is the fourth-largest source of direct investment in Israel (2025).
Country Cockpit, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO
Trade Promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise SGE
Chamber of Commerce Switzerland–Israel
Cooperation in education, research and innovation
Israel is an important partner for Switzerland in education, research and innovation. Cooperation between the two countries is well established – underpinned by innovative companies, leading universities and renowned research institutes and funding organisations. Both Switzerland and Israel are among the world’s frontrunners in the field of innovation.
Researchers and artists who are citizens of Israel can apply for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, SERI
Peacebuilding and human security
Switzerland is committed to resolving the conflict on the basis of the two-state solution, in accordance with international law. This commitment has been strengthened since 7 October 2023. Switzerland has condemned Hamas's attack on Israel in the strongest possible terms. Hamas has been banned in Switzerland as a terrorist organisation since 1 May 2025. On 26 November 2025, the Federal Council adopted a comprehensive package of measures and funding to support the Gaza peace plan and UN Security Council Resolution 2803 in general, and the civilian population in Gaza in particular.
Cultural exchanges
Cultural exchange between Switzerland and Israel is multifaceted and provides opportunities for interaction, dialogue and mutual understanding. Joint projects in the arts, music, literature, cinema and education foster new perspectives and lasting ties between people in both countries.
Swiss nationals in Israel
There is a steadily growing Swiss community in Israel, which now numbers over 25,000 (in 2025). In relation to the total population of the host country, this is the second-largest Swiss community in the world. The Israeli–Swiss association Swiss Community Israel fosters a vibrant community spirit and brings Swiss people together, regardless of their political views, religion, language or cultural background.
Statistics on the Swiss abroad
Swiss Community Israel (de, en)
History of bilateral relations
The founding of the State of Israel is closely linked to Switzerland: The First Zionist Congress took place in Basel in 1897. A further 15 of the total of 22 conferences were also held in Switzerland. Prior to the establishment of the State of Israel in Palestine, Switzerland maintained a consulate in Jerusalem (accredited to the British mandate authorities) and a consular agency in Tel Aviv. In 1949, it recognised the new state and opened a consulate in Tel Aviv that was upgraded to an embassy in 1958.
Israel, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)
Diplomatic Documents of Switzerland, Dodis
Diplomatic Documents of Switzerland, Dodis
Links
- Switzerland and Israel
- Treaty database
- Country Cockpit, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO
- Foreign trade statistics, Federal Office for Customs and Border Security FOCBS
- Trade Promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise SGE
- Chamber of Commerce Switzerland–Israel
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, SERI
- Statistics on the Swiss abroad
- Swiss Community Israel (de, en)
- Israel, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)
- Diplomatic Documents of Switzerland, Dodis
- Swiss memorial for the victims of National Socialism – a place of remembrance in the city of Bern
- Swiss memorial
Documents
Strategy and action plan against racism and antisemitism 2026–2031
By adopting the first national strategy against racism and antisemitism (2026–31), the Federal Council is sending a clear signal in support of the protection of fundamental and human rights. (German)
Background paper: Swiss memorial to the victims of National Socialism
Based on the Federal Council's decision of 26 April 2023, Switzerland is establishing a memorial to the victims of National Socialism. In Bern, the political centre, a place of remembrance is being created as an expression of historical responsibility.
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