ELNET’S MISSION
ELNET broadens and deepens defense, diplomatic, and economic cooperation between Europe and Israel. ELNET leads high-level delegations, facilitates Strategic Dialogues, and conducts regional cooperation programs that align European countries with Israel to forge deep and lasting relationships based on shared values.
strengthenING Europe-Israel ties
Lt. Col. (ret.) Jonathan Conricus served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for 24 years as a combat commander in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. During his tenure as the IDF’s international spokesperson, he addressed numerous ELNET delegations and audiences.
DEVELOPING RELATIONSHIPS
Colonel Arne Collatz visited Israel for the first time with ELNET's Joint Military Experts Delegation in February 2025.
The 21st century has seen the formation of powers with the capabilities and motives to challenge the Western alliance. This new multi-polar world provides opportunities for Europe and Israel to deepen and broaden their defense, intelligence, and military cooperation.
ELNET works to educate key European policymakers about Israel’s strategic value in the area of defense and security.
ISRAEL’s DEFENSE AND SECURITY
Europe is not monolithic. The majority of the continent’s 44 countries and 27 members of the European Union are traditionally favorable to Israel. This translates into pro-Israel policies and resolutions on issues such as condemnation of Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran; supporting Israel’s right to self-defense; and defending Israel at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
For instance, Germany is Israel’s leading strategic ally after the United States, its largest defense and economic partner in Europe, and regularly defends Israel on the international stage.
ELNET is instrumental in enhancing and securing Israel’s global standing by strengthening Europe-Israel diplomatic relations.
Europe-Israel Diplomacy
Europe is Israel’s largest trade and innovation partner. Its 44 countries are each concerned about commodities, national security, supply chains, and technology. Israel stands to benefit as an exporter of cybersecurity, defense, hi-tech, and agricultural products.
ELNET is instrumental in strengthening Israel’s access to its largest global markets in Europe.
Europe’s largest innovation fund, Horizon Europe, provides access to billions of dollars that benefit Israeli institutions, startups, and defense firms for innovation and research.
Without Europe’s financial commitment to Israel, the “Startup Nation” would be at risk.
