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                                                             EXHIBIT 99.906 CERT

EXHIBIT 12(b)

SECTION 906 CERTIFICATIONS

                            SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION

       Michael E. Kenneally, Chief Executive Officer, and Michael A. Pignataro,
Chief Financial Officer, of The First Israel Fund, Inc. (the "Fund"), each
certify to his knowledge that:

(1)    The Fund's periodic report on Form N-CSR for the period ended March 31,
2005 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)    The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material
respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Fund.


   /s/ Michael E. Kenneally             /s/ Michael A. Pignataro
   ------------------------             ------------------------
   Michael E. Kenneally                 Michael A. Pignataro
   Chief Executive Officer              Chief Financial Officer
   June 1, 2005                         June 1, 2005

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other
document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that
appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement
required by Section 906, has been provided to the Fund and will be retained by
the Fund and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff
upon request.