Carice Witte, Founder and Executive Director of SIGNAL Group, delivered a talk at the JNS inaugural International Policy Summit 2025. It was the first time that an Israeli news outlet conference hosted a plenary that featured Israel and the East. A bold, forward-looking Indo-Pacific strategy was emphasized as critical to Israel’s future. While Asia has long been overlooked due to Israel’s historical security concerns, shifting global dynamics—marked by China’s rise and new regional alignments—are reshaping strategic priorities.

The growing influence of Indo-Pacific powers such as Japan, India, South Korea, and Singapore in high-tech, defense R&D, and trade was highlighted. It was stressed that initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and frameworks such as Quad Plus and AUKUS Pillar II present valuable opportunities for Israel. Though Israel’s internal debate continues, it was made clear that the Indo-Pacific is not a distant land, but in fact, is in Israel’s backyard – where the Red Sea represents the northern section of the Indian Ocean. It was noted that Israel needs to move beyond traditional thinking that can lead to diplomatic hesitation; Israel cannot afford to be a bystander in the Indo-Pacific century. It must engage with the Indo-Pacific and start by crafting a thoughtful Indo-Pacific strategy.