Paraguay and Israel Reinforce Diplomatic Ties with Embassy Relocation

Paraguay and Israel Reinforce Diplomatic Ties with Embassy Relocation

Paraguay Announces Embassy Relocation to Jerusalem

Paraguay’s President, Santiago Peña, has recently revealed plans to move the country’s embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. This announcement comes after a crucial meeting with the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu. The move symbolizes the reopening of the Paraguayan Embassy in Jerusalem, signifying a significant step forward in the diplomatic relations between Paraguay and Israel.

Embassy Move, A Promise Fulfilled

President Santiago Peña, a conservative, had promised the relocation during his campaign earlier this year. The relocation is expected to be completed by the end of this year. This decision marks the fulfillment of one of Peña’s significant campaign promises, demonstrating his commitment to strengthening relations with Israel.

(Read Also: Netanyahu and Biden Set to Hold Meeting in New York)

Israel Reciprocates with Embassy Reopening

In response to Paraguay’s decision, Israel’s foreign ministry announced that it will reopen its embassy in Asunción, the capital of Paraguay. This move reciprocates Paraguay’s action and reinforces the mutual commitment of both nations to bolster their diplomatic ties.

Historical Context of the Embassy Relocation

Interestingly, this is not the first time Paraguay has moved its embassy to Jerusalem. Under former president Horacio Cortes, Paraguay had previously relocated its embassy to Jerusalem in 2018. However, Cortes’ successor, Mario Abdo Benítez, reversed the move shortly thereafter, returning the diplomatic headquarters to Tel Aviv. This decision led to Israel closing its Asunción embassy, utilizing its embassy in Uruguay for diplomatic relations with both Uruguay and Paraguay. The recent developments, therefore, mark a significant turnaround in relations between Israel and Paraguay.

Jerusalem, a Controversial Capital

Israeli officials have long considered Jerusalem their sole capital, but the Palestinian Authority has insisted in peace negotiations that they are granted East Jerusalem as their capital in a two-state solution. The issue of Jerusalem’s status remains central to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as both sides claim it as their capital. Most countries have elected to leave their embassies in the Tel Aviv area to avoid being perceived as endorsing the Israeli claim. However, former U.S. President Donald Trump moved the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem in 2017, a decision that drew criticism from many allies.

Paraguay Joins the Jerusalem Embassy Club

With Paraguay’s upcoming move, it will join a group of only four other countries that currently have their embassies in Jerusalem: the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, and Kosovo. This move highlights a growing trend among Latin American countries to establish their embassies in Jerusalem. Interestingly, when Paraguay’s embassy completes the move, three of Jerusalem’s five embassies will belong to Latin American countries.

The Impact on Israel-Latin America Relations

The embassy relocation decision by Paraguay is likely to have implications on Israel’s relations with Latin American countries. There is a long history of positive ties between Israel and Latin American nations. The friendship between Israel, Latin American countries, and the Jewish people existed even before the creation of the State of Israel. The recent developments are likely to further strengthen these ties, fostering more cooperation projects and diplomatic exchanges.

(Read Also: Terrorism and Politics Clash: Israeli Politician’s Support for Convicted Perpetrator Sparks Outrage)

Conclusion: A Significant Development in International Diplomacy

In conclusion, the decision by Paraguay to relocate its embassy to Jerusalem is a significant development in international diplomacy. It not only signifies the strengthening of diplomatic ties between Paraguay and Israel but also potentially influences the diplomatic landscape in Latin America. It will be interesting to see how this move affects the dynamics of the Israel-Palestine conflict and the international recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.