SYDNEY — An ancient Biblical prophecy lies at the heart of a Pacific islands push to open embassies on contested ground in Jerusalem, experts and former diplomats told AFP.

Israel may seem an unlikely partner for the far-flung nations of the tropical South Pacific, sharing little in common by way of culture, language, food or sport.

And yet, Pacific island nations have often proven some of Israel’s most steadfast supporters on the international stage.

Tiny Nauru opened an embassy in Jerusalem earlier this month, joining a handful of nations bucking international pressure to recognise Israeli sovereignty in the holy city.

Papua New Guinea and Fiji are already among just seven UN member-states to open embassies in Jerusalem, while Samoa has stated it will join them later this year.

Former Fijian diplomat Salote Tagivakatini said the moves were less about calculated statecraft and more about religious conviction.

“Christianity is the biggest underlying factor,” she said.