Ginzburg, Boris (2026): How to Attend a Wedding Even Without an Invitation: Lukashenka’s Middle East Tour And Its Meaning for Israel (and Europe). In PSCRP-BESA Reports (Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies). Online: https://besacenter.org/how-to-attend-a-wedding-even-without-an-invitation-lukashenkas-middle-east-tour-and-its-meaning-for-israel-and-europe/

Abstract

Lukashenko’s 2025/26 Middle East and North Africa tour illustrates enduring patterns of Belarusian foreign policy under his rule: the instrumentalization of diplomacy for international legitimacy, a highly personalized decision-making style centered on the ruling family, and proactive – often disruptive – efforts to secure relevance in global affairs. By situating the trip within Minsk’s broader diplomatic behaviour, the analysis argues that Belarus should not be dismissed as a passive Russian proxy but understood as an autonomous spoiler capable of shaping regional dynamics. These features carry direct implications for Israel and Europe, particularly regarding Iran, sanctions evasion, and emerging security alignments.