Trump's Latin America allies open arms to Israel
While ongoing military actions in Gaza and settler attacks on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank have largely isolated Israel globally, Latin America's authoritarian right sees an opening for a strategic alliance.
In 2009, a three-week military offensive in Gaza killed over 1,400 people, including an estimated 1,100 civilians, leading then-Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to expel the Israeli ambassador and sever diplomatic ties. Now, 17 years later, Venezuela and Israel are considering establishing consular services, though this is still a limited step.
In Colombia, newly elected President Abelardo de la Espriella has reversed his predecessor's decision to cut relations with Israel over Gaza's recent war, which claimed over 70,000 lives, many of them children. The country plans to relocate its embassy to Jerusalem and recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, though this is not recognized internationally.
The trend toward improved relations with Israel is seen as a response to the rise of the radical right in the region, with authoritarian leaders linking ties with Israel to aligning with U.S. foreign policy. In Argentina, President Javier Milei has made close relations with Israel a defining aspect of his foreign policy. In Brazil, former President Jair Bolsonaro and current President Nayib Bukele have embraced warmer ties with Israel, while President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has taken a critical stance.
Despite international criticism, Latin American governments are seeking legitimacy, cooperation, and influence through these diplomatic ties with Israel.
Written by urgent.news from DW English (Top Stories)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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