Samoa has announced plans to open an embassy in Jerusalem, a move that has sparked both praise and criticism. The Polynesian island nation, home to about 220,000 people, has maintained diplomatic relations with Israel since 1977 but has not been among Israel's most consistent allies. The decision signals a shift in Samoa's foreign policy and aligns it more closely with Israel, both diplomatically and culturally. Observers note that this step could influence Samoa's standing in international forums and its relationships with other nations.