Israel accepted into economic elite group
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development today accepted Israel into its ranks, capping a lengthy effort by the Jewish state to join the exclusive club in the face of stiff opposition from Palestinians.
The 31-member OECD issued a statement at its Paris headquarters saying it has invited Israel, Estonia and Slovenia to become members.
The three “will contribute to a more plural and open OECD that is playing an increasingly important role in the global economic architecture”, OECD secretary-general Angel Gurria said.
He said all three countries had been “receptive to OECD recommendations” and the membership talks were “constructive and open.”
Israeli finance minister Yuval Steinitz said it was a “historic achievement” for his country.
“The importance is tremendous. This is the most respectable international club that a little country like the state of Israel can be accepted to,” he told Israel Radio.
The announcement concludes more than three years of Israeli efforts to join the OECD, a grouping of the world’s most developed and prosperous economies.
Israeli officials say that joining the group amounts to an important stamp of recognition for the country’s economic accomplishments. They said it would boost Israel’s credit rating and pave the way for additional trade and investment.
Over the decades, Israel has evolved from a tiny, farming nation into a hi-tech powerhouse, known for its numerous start-ups, developments in communications, software and military technology.
“We’re a member of a prestigious organisation, but also an organisation that has some credibility and influence on the world economy,” said Uri Gutman, the Israeli foreign ministry’s director of the OECD accession process.
The acceptance gives Israel, and prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a rare victory on the international diplomatic stage. Israel has been under fire for its military conduct in the Gaza Strip early last year. In recent weeks, it has come under pressure to come clean about its nuclear capabilities.
Mr Netanyahu has also been pressed to halt Jewish settlement construction in the West Bank and east Jerusalem – areas claimed by the Palestinians. He has reluctantly slowed settlement activity in recent months, clearing the way last week for the resumption of peace talks with the Palestinians after a 17-month break. It was not clear whether the OECD decision was a reward for the renewed peace efforts.
Palestinian officials had urged the OECD to reject Israel’s application. They said that Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, and discriminatory treatment of its own Arab citizens, puts the country at odds with the OECD’s commitment to human rights.
Pro-Palestinian activists planned to hold protests in Paris during the OECD announcement.
