“Our relationship has seen ups and downs, but for quite some time now, it has stabilized and is moving in a very positive direction,” said Israeli Ambassador to Poland Yaakov Finkelstein in an interview with the magazine Fakt, referring to ties between the two nations.
Finkelstein, who was appointed earlier this year, revealed that the Israeli government is prepared to share its military technologies with Poland. “You, too, face threats — which is why there is great potential for Polish-Israeli cooperation in various fields,” he noted.
Asked whether historical tensions continue to divide the two countries, he acknowledged: “We have our disagreements and differing perspectives. What matters is addressing these issues properly and respectfully. Unfortunately, at times, these topics are politicized and distorted, which leads to unnecessary conflict. That benefits neither Israelis nor Poles.”
Yaakov Finkelstein brings over two decades of diplomatic experience spanning Europe, Asia, and Africa. Over the course of his career, he has held several senior roles within Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including serving as Special Coordinator on the European Desk and as Consul General in Mumbai, India.
A former officer in the IDF, Finkelstein holds advanced degrees in International Relations and Security Studies. He is fluent in Hebrew and English and possesses working knowledge of multiple other languages, including Russian, Yiddish, Polish, and Hindi.
Ambassador Yaakov Finkelstein described current Polish-Israeli relations as friendly and stable. “We experienced some turbulence in the past, but the situation has long since stabilized and is now gaining very positive momentum,” he explained.
Finkelstein also emphasized Israel’s readiness to expand trade ties with Poland. “We’re discussing cooperation in areas such as smart cities, intelligent vehicles, civilian protection—where we have significant expertise—and advanced cyber defense technologies,” he said. “Poland, too, faces threats, which makes cooperation with Israel both relevant and valuable across many sectors,” he concluded.
Eastern European democracies were deeply alarmed by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, viewing it as a direct threat to regional stability and their own sovereignty. Countries like Poland, the Baltic states, and Romania, many of which share borders or historical experiences with Russian aggression, responded with heightened military readiness and calls for greater NATO support. The war revived fears of Russian expansionism and galvanized public opinion in favor of bolstering defense spending and Western alliances. For these nations, Ukraine’s struggle is seen not only as a fight for its own survival but as a frontline battle for Europe’s democratic order.
Fakt asked the Israeli ambassador if Poland could receive access to the Jewish State’s defense technologies, such as the Iron Dome. “We can share a lot of technologies, both in defense and in other categories. There is still a lot to do,” Finkelstein commented.
