President Isaac Herzog canceled his planned attendance at the UN's COP29 Climate Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Saturday citing security concerns arising from a situational assessment.
Herzog was scheduled to deliver a speech at the conference set for Tuesday and return to Israel a few hours later. The Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman, who had been in Azerbaijan and was set to return with Herzog and Transportation Minister Miri Regev were also slated to attend.
Herzog previously participated in the climate conference in Sharm El Sheikh in 2022, where he delivered a speech. In 2023, he traveled to the climate conference in Dubai but returned to Israel before the Sabbath and therefore didn’t speak.
Azerbaijan, which borders Iran, has been the focus of heightened caution. In August, Israel's Foreign Ministry issued an unusual advisory for Israeli nationals visiting countries bordering Iran (Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey) to remain vigilant, exercise caution and adhere to counterterrorism bureau warnings.
The advisory cited threats from Iran and its proxies targeting Israeli citizens and state symbols. Since the beginning of the war in Gaza, Iran has intensified its efforts to strike Israeli targets worldwide. This concern was further fueled by Iranian threats to avenge the elimination of Hamas' politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
Several dozen Israelis, including representatives from the Environmental Protection Ministry, Energy Ministry, Innovation Authority, and Foreign Ministry, traveled to Baku for the conference.
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Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman at the COP29 Israeli pavilion
(Photo: Environmental Protection Ministry)
The Israeli stand, featuring 20 companies showcasing climate-related innovations, was inaugurated at the event. However, unlike other national pavilions, the Israeli one remained closed today due to the Sabbath.
"Israel’s prominent participation in the climate conference in Baku highlights the strength of our nation as a global hub of knowledge and innovation,” Silman said at Wednesday's inauguration of the Israeli pavilion.
“Israel is a powerhouse of skill and technology and our determination to ensure a better future for the next generations remains unwavering. We will continue to lead, shape and grow stronger – for the people of Israel to live and shine brightly."
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