Trump's Latin America Allies Open Arms to Israel
Ongoing military actions in Gaza and settler attacks on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank have largely isolated Israel globally.
In 2009, a three-week military offensive in Gaza killed over 1,400 people, many of whom were civilians. This led Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to expel the Israeli ambassador and sever diplomatic ties. Seventeen years later, Venezuela and Israel have agreed to resume consular services, a step that would have been unthinkable until recently.
Colombia, under new President Abelardo de la Espriella, has reversed his predecessor's decision to cut ties with Israel, citing the war's recent death toll of over 70,000 people. Colombia also plans to relocate its embassy to Jerusalem and recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. In Argentina, nationalist President Javier Milei has made strong ties with Israel a defining aspect of his government.
Latin American governments are increasingly aligning with Israel due to a surge in support from the radical right and shared ideological, religious, and strategic factors. While Brazil remains critical of Israel's actions in Gaza, Mexico aims to maintain a neutral stance. Despite the shift in relations, Israel's long-term relations with Latin America will depend on a variety of factors.
Written by urgent.news from Tempo.co English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
