New Zealand extends defence liaison deployment to Israel
The New Zealand Government has extended the deployment of a New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) liaison officer to Israel for a further three months, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced on Thursday.
The extension will run until 3 May 2026, with the officer continuing to be based at the US-led Civil Military Coordination Centre (CMCC), which facilitates coordination between military forces, humanitarian organisations, and international partners operating in and around Gaza.
According to Minister Collins, the decision reflects the ongoing volatility of the situation in Gaza and the Government’s desire to maintain a direct understanding of developments on the ground.
“The situation in Gaza continues to evolve as implementation of the peace plan progresses,” Collins said.
“This deployment continues to make a critical contribution to our understanding of what is a dynamic and complex operating environment in and around Gaza.”
The liaison officer’s role is not operational or combat-related. Instead, it focuses on information-sharing and situational awareness, enabling New Zealand to assess developments independently rather than relying solely on third-party reporting.
Collins said the extension would help inform any future decisions about New Zealand’s potential contributions in the region.
“This extension is to ensure that the NZDF liaison officer can continue to improve our understanding of what is happening on the ground to inform any future decisions regarding New Zealand’s potential contributions,” she said.
The deployment involves a single officer and does not constitute direct participation in Israeli military operations. The CMCC, led by the United States, serves as a coordination hub for civil-military engagement, including humanitarian access, deconfliction, and logistical communication.
New Zealand first announced the deployment in late 2025 as part of a broader effort to remain engaged with international partners while maintaining a cautious and limited footprint in the region. The Government has emphasised that the role is designed to support informed policy-making rather than signal alignment with any party to the conflict.
The extension comes amid continued international scrutiny of the Gaza conflict and ongoing debate within New Zealand about the country’s diplomatic and humanitarian posture in the Middle East. While Wellington has called consistently for restraint and the protection of civilians, it has also sought to retain access to first-hand operational information through its allies.
The Defence Minister did not indicate whether further extensions would be considered beyond May, noting instead that decisions would continue to be guided by conditions on the ground and New Zealand’s broader foreign policy objectives.
