Georgia Dismisses Terror-Threat Reports as ‘Misinformation’ Following Israeli MPs’ Withdrawal

In a rare diplomatic confusion, Israeli parliamentarians have abruptly cancelled their scheduled visit to Georgia for an upcoming Israel Week conference, citing security concerns that Georgian officials insist do not exist.

Israeli media reported Wednesday that the Knesset Guard had instructed lawmakers to abandon travel plans following undisclosed security assessments. Officials provided only a brief statement to the press, noting they had communicated with the MPs but could not elaborate “due to security considerations.” Notably, no formal announcement appeared on the Knesset’s official channels.

The cancellation prompted an immediate response from Georgia’s State Security Service (SSG), which on Thursday firmly denied knowledge of any terrorist threats. In an unusual public contradiction between security agencies, Georgian officials revealed they had made direct contact with Israeli intelligence counterparts, who reportedly expressed surprise at the media reports circulating in Georgia.

“Neither Georgian nor Israeli intelligence services possess any information regarding planned terrorist attacks in Georgia,” the SSG stated, describing the situation as “very sad and noteworthy” that certain Georgian media outlets had published unverified claims without seeking confirmation. The agency urged journalists to exercise greater responsibility when reporting on matters affecting national security.

The cancelled delegation was scheduled to participate in Israel Week, a high-profile conference organized by Itsik Moshe, who heads the Israel-Georgia Business Chamber. According to Moshe, the event was designed to strengthen diplomatic relations and foster economic partnerships between the two nations.

The incident highlights the growing economic ties between Israel and Georgia, which have expanded significantly in recent years. Moshe had projected that Israeli economic contribution to Georgia could reach $1 billion annually by 2030, with tourism and real estate development serving as primary drivers of this investment.

This security disagreement occurs against a backdrop of previous genuine threats. Moshe himself was the target of an assassination attempt in 2022, which Georgia’s SSG reported was orchestrated by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps. That plot, which was reportedly foiled by Georgian security services, represented a serious escalation of regional tensions playing out on Georgian soil.

The contradictory security assessments raise questions about intelligence sharing between the two countries and the threshold for cancelling diplomatic engagements. While Israel’s security services maintain a cautious posture given ongoing regional conflicts, Georgia has worked to position itself as a secure destination for international investment and diplomatic events.

Security experts note that Israel has heightened its global security protocols since the October 2023 Hamas attacks and the subsequent conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. Israeli officials have repeatedly warned citizens about potential threats worldwide, particularly from Iran and its proxies seeking retaliation for assassinations attributed to Israel.

For Georgia, a country working to strengthen its Western relationships and increase foreign investment, the cancellation represents an unwelcome disruption to its diplomatic efforts. Tourism and foreign direct investment are crucial components of Georgia’s economic strategy, making security perceptions particularly sensitive.

Neither Israeli nor Georgian officials have indicated whether the conference will be rescheduled, or if alternative arrangements might be made for virtual participation by the Israeli delegation. Business leaders from both countries expressed hope that the diplomatic confusion would be quickly resolved to prevent disruption to growing economic partnerships.

As of Thursday evening, Israeli authorities had not provided any additional information clarifying their security concerns or responding to Georgia’s contradictory assessment.