After Biden-Bennett Meeting, Potential Israeli Action Against Chinese Investments

The August 27, 2021 meeting between President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett provided an important opportunity for the two leaders to discuss the threat posed by China, particularly its investment in Israel. However, reports reveal that their focus on China was surprisingly limited. Following his meeting with Biden, Bennett announced that he would bring under his authority a newly formed committee for reviewing foreign investment into Israel. While a welcome step, more work is needed in this area.

Both nations should make it a priority to develop a shared and cooperative approach to the common national security challenges that China poses, including intellectual property theft and acquisition of dual-use technologies, as detailed in a February 2021 report from The Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA). Recommended first steps toward such a joint strategy, outlined here, include the sharing of best practices for conducting oversight of foreign direct investment, improved trade relations, and the creation of enhanced economic opportunities.