In a surprising diplomatic twist, Israel has authorized Indonesia — a nation with no formal ties to the Jewish state — to airdrop humanitarian aid into Gaza, signaling both humanitarian outreach and geopolitical maneuvering.
Israel has given the green light for Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim country, to begin airdropping humanitarian aid into Gaza as early as next week, according to Kan 11 News.
Unlike previous cases where such operations required approval from the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), Indonesia’s clearance came directly from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office — underscoring the political weight behind this decision.
A senior diplomatic source stressed Netanyahu’s openness: “The Prime Minister has invited any country wishing to airdrop food to Gaza to join the humanitarian effort.”
The move is particularly striking given Indonesia’s historically hostile stance toward Israel. Former President Joko Widodo urged Muslim nations to unite against Israel, while its foreign minister in 2021 reaffirmed support for the Palestinian Authority in opposing the so-called “occupation.”
Yet winds of change may be blowing: current President Prabowo Subianto has recently signaled readiness to normalize relations with Israel — but only if Israel first recognizes a Palestinian state.
The approval not only delivers aid to Gaza but also hints at a potential reshaping of Israel-Indonesia relations, long considered impossible.
