Israel Allies & Adversaries in Latin-America

An Overview of Latin American Countries and Their Relationship with Israel

The November 2024 joint statement signed by 19 Latin American countries affirming solidarity with Israel and its right to self-defense reflects a notable diplomatic stance. However, this position contrasts sharply with the complex and often polarized sentiments regarding antisemitism, antizionism, and the Israel-Palestine conflict among Latin American governments and citizens. Pro-Israel governments like Argentina, Paraguay, Guatemala, and Panama have historically expressed strong support for Israel, such as condemning Hamas attacks and strengthening security for Jewish institutions. The November 2024 declaration emphasized combating antisemitism through educational initiatives and adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism. Pro-Palestinian Left-leaning governments in countries like Brazil, Colombia, Chile, and Bolivia have taken strong pro-Palestinian stances, with leaders like Brazil’s President Lula da Silva and Colombia’s Gustavo Petro critiquing Israeli actions in Gaza as violations of international law or “genocide.”
So what is the reality and history of the Latin-American countries towards Israel?

[Country, Capital in parenthesis]

Argentina (Buenos Aires)
Argentina and Israel have a long-standing diplomatic relationship, dating back to 1949 when Argentina recognized Israel. Argentina’s rich cultural history with Jewish immigrants has fostered strong ties with the Jewish community. Tensions have arisen due to the capture of Adolf Eichmann and the bombings of the Israeli embassy and AMIA Jewish community center in 1994. Argentina has strengthened its ties through high-level visits and agreements in trade, education, and security. President Javier Milei, who took office in November 2023, has significantly enhanced ties with Israel, pledging to move Argentina’s embassy to Jerusalem and labeling Hamas as a terrorist organization. However, the election of President Milei and his administration’s deepening relationship with Israel raises questions about Argentina’s traditional neutral approach.

Belize (Belmopan)
Belize’s diplomatic relationship with Israel has evolved significantly since 1981, with cooperation in agriculture, technology, and development assistance. However, in November 2023, Belize severed diplomatic relations with Israel due to Israel’s military actions in Gaza, citing violations of international humanitarian law. The Belizean government condemned the “unceasing indiscriminate bombing” of Gaza and criticized Israel for preventing humanitarian aid. Belize withdrew accreditation for Israel’s ambassador and suspended its consulate activities in Tel Aviv, marking a significant shift in its foreign policy stance. As of 2025, Belize no longer maintains diplomatic relations with Israel, aligning with similar actions taken by Bolivia and South Africa.

Bolivia (Sucre & La Paz)
Bolivia’s diplomatic relations with Israel have been influenced by its stance on Israeli military actions against Palestinians. In 2009, Bolivia cut ties with Israel under President Evo Morales, who criticized the UN Security Council’s response and called for the removal of then-Israeli President Shimon Peres from the Nobel Peace Prize. In 2019, Bolivia renewed ties with Israel under an interim, pro-American government, which was welcomed by Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz. In 2023, Bolivia again cut ties with Israel, condemning Israel’s “aggressive and disproportionate” military actions in Gaza and accusing Israel of crimes against humanity. Bolivia called for a ceasefire and promised aid to the Gaza Strip, but an Israeli official accused Bolivia of aligning with the Hamas terrorist organization.

Brazil (Brasília)
Brazil has a long-standing friendship with Israel, dating back to its creation in 1948. Brazil played a significant role in the establishment of Israel, with Oswaldo Aranha chairing the UN General Assembly session that approved the Partition Plan for Palestine in 1947. Brazil officially recognized Israel in 1949, and diplomatic relations grew steadily, with cooperation in agriculture, technology, and defense. In 2007, Israel signed a free trade agreement with Mercosur, strengthening economic ties. Brazil’s strong Jewish community has fostered cultural and diplomatic connections. However, tensions have arisen under different presidents, with Brazil criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza during Dilma Rousseff’s presidency and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s presidency. Despite these challenges, Brazil’s relationship with Israel has improved under President Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022), with agreements in defense, cybersecurity, health, and technology.

Chile (Santiago)
Chile has maintained friendly relations with Israel since its creation in 1948, with the first ambassador sent in 1952. Relations grew stronger in the 1970s and 2000s, with cooperation in agriculture, technology, and defense. Chilean Foreign Minister Miguel Schweitzer Walters visited Israel in 1983, indicating growing diplomatic engagement. The period of military rule (1973-1990) saw increased cooperation in arms transfers and military training. However, Chile faced challenges and tensions in the 2000s-present due to political condemnations of Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank, recognition of Palestine as a state in 2011, and delays in accepting the credentials of the new Israeli ambassador. As of 2025, relations are somewhat tense due to Chile’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Colombia (Bogotá)
The relationship between Israel and Colombia has been strong since the 1950s, with extensive cooperation in military, trade, and cultural sectors. Colombia recognized Israel in the mid-1950s and established diplomatic relations in 1957. From the 1960s to 2010, Colombia relied heavily on Israeli military technology, including Kfir fighter jets and Galil rifles, to combat drug cartels and guerrilla groups. A free trade agreement was signed in 2013 and came into effect in 2020. Israel provided scholarships to Colombian students and fostered cultural ties through education and media. However, relations began to cool under leftist president Gustavo Petro in 2022, who criticized Israel’s policies towards Palestinians and suspended arms purchases. Tensions escalated during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, leading to Petro’s severance of diplomatic ties.

Costa Rica (San José)
Costa Rica has maintained strong diplomatic and cooperative relations with Israel since its creation in 1948. The country supported the UN Partition Plan in 1947 and officially established diplomatic relations in 1949. From the 1960s to the 1980s, Costa Rica and Israel collaborated in agriculture, technology, and trade. In 2006, Costa Rica moved its embassy from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv to align with international consensus. In 2008, Costa Rica formally recognized Palestine as a state, leading to diplomatic tensions with Israel. However, Costa Rica’s historical support for Israel and recent diplomatic gestures affirm its longstanding friendship. Economic ties have grown steadily, with agreements like the Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement signed in 1995 and ongoing discussions for a free trade agreement initiated in 2023.

Cuba (Havana)
The relationship between Israel and Cuba has been a long-standing conflict since its creation in 1948. Despite voting against the UN Partition Plan in 1947, Cuba recognized Israel in 1949 and established diplomatic relations. During Fidel Castro’s government, relations remained cordial, with Cuba appointing Ricardo Wolf as ambassador to Israel. However, after the Six-Day War in 1967, Cuban-Israeli relations deteriorated. Cuba initially supported Egypt militarily during the War of Attrition but broke diplomatic relations with Israel during the Yom Kippur War in 1973. After severing ties, Cuba became one of Israel’s most vocal critics and co-sponsored the controversial UN resolution equating Zionism with racism in 1975. Post-1973, Cuba remains a strong supporter of Palestine and critic of Israeli policies, hosting Palestinian Liberation Organization offices and events. Despite occasional signs of rapprochement since the late 1980s, economic and ideological factors have prevented significant improvement.

Dominican Republic (Santo Domingo)
The Dominican Republic has a strong history of cooperation with Israel, dating back to its creation in 1948. The country was a welcoming host for Jewish refugees and supported the UN Partition Plan in 1947. The Dominican Republic officially recognized Israel in 1948 and established diplomatic relations in 1949. The country opened its embassy in Jerusalem in 1964 but later moved it to Tel Aviv in 1980 due to international pressure. The two nations have maintained close ties through trade, cultural exchange, and cooperation programs. The Dominican Republic’s openness to Jewish refugees earned it the nickname “Tropical Zion.” Recent developments include considering relocating the embassy back to Jerusalem in 2020 and Israel donating advanced water filtration systems to the Dominican Republic in 2024.

Ecuador (Quito)
Ecuador has a long-standing friendship with Israel, established in 1948. Prior to Israel’s establishment, Ecuador welcomed Jewish refugees during the Holocaust. Bilateral cooperation has expanded across political, commercial, cultural, and defense sectors, with Israeli companies investing in Ecuador in fields like irrigation systems, solar energy, and security tech. Cultural exchange has fostered mutual understanding through art exhibitions, concerts, film series, and delegations. Relations cooled during Rafael Correa’s presidency due to leftist alignment with Venezuela and Cuba. In 2010, Ecuador officially recognized Palestine as a state along the 1967 borders, supporting Palestinian aspirations while maintaining diplomatic ties. Under President Guillermo Lasso, bilateral relations have improved, with Lasso becoming the first Ecuadorian president to visit Israel in May 2022.

El Salvador (San Salvador)
The relationship between Israel and El Salvador has been complex since the establishment of Israel in 1948. El Salvador was one of the first countries to recognize Israel, despite abstaining from the 1947 UN Partition Plan vote. This recognition established a strong diplomatic relationship, including technical cooperation in agriculture and medicine. During World War II, Salvadoran diplomat José Arturo Castellanos saved thousands of Jews by issuing Salvadoran citizenship documents, strengthening ties with the Jewish community. During El Salvador’s civil war in the 1970s and 1980s, Israel played a crucial role in supplying weapons, providing military training, and training secret police forces. El Salvador was the only country with an embassy in Jerusalem in 2006, but the embassy was later moved to Tel Aviv due to international pressure. In 2017, Israel announced plans to close its embassy in San Salvador due to budgetary concerns.

Guatemala (Guatemala City)
Guatemala and Israel have a long-standing relationship, dating back to the establishment of Israel in 1948. Guatemala played a significant role in supporting Israel’s creation, with its ambassador, Jorge García Granados, being a key figure in the UN Special Committee on Palestine. Guatemala was the second Latin American country to recognize Israel after the US in 1948 and opened an embassy in Jerusalem in 1955. During Guatemala’s civil war, Israel provided significant military assistance, including arms and training. The two countries have maintained strong economic ties, with Israel providing agricultural and technological assistance to Guatemala. In 1982, they signed a Trade Agreement and Economic Cooperation treaty, and in 1961, they signed a Cultural Exchange Treaty. The Instituto Guatemalteco-Israeli promotes Israeli culture and education in Guatemala.

Haiti (Port-au-Prince)
Haiti has been a close friend of Israel since its creation in 1948, maintaining diplomatic ties and admiring Israel’s achievements. Haiti voted in favor of the 1947 UN Partition Plan, leading to Israel’s establishment. Haiti officially recognized Israel in 1949 and established diplomatic relations. Haiti initially maintained an embassy in Jerusalem but moved it to Tel Aviv following UN Security Council Resolution 478. Today, the Israeli ambassador in Panama represents Israeli interests in Haiti, while Haiti maintains an honorary consulate in Port-au-Prince. The Jewish community in Haiti has played a significant role in fostering positive relations between the two nations. Humanitarian cooperation between Israel and Haiti has been evident since the 2010 earthquake, with local leaders like Gilbert Bigio expressing admiration for Israel.

Honduras (Tegucigalpa)
Honduras has a long-standing diplomatic relationship with Israel, dating back to 1948. The country was one of the first to recognize Israel, establishing lasting ties. During the Holocaust, Honduras allowed Jewish immigration, influenced by its local Jewish community. In 2018, Honduras recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and established a diplomatic office in the city. In 2019, Honduras opened an office in Jerusalem, considering it an extension of its embassy in Tel Aviv. However, in November 2023, Honduras announced a break in diplomatic relations due to humanitarian concerns in Gaza. Honduras has sought cooperation in areas like agriculture, water management, cybersecurity, and trade.

Mexico (Mexico City)
Mexico and Israel have maintained friendly relations since 1952, focusing on trade, agriculture, technology, and disaster relief. In 1992, Israel expressed gratitude for Mexico’s contribution to the Arab boycott. In 2000, they signed a Free Trade Agreement. Israel provides humanitarian aid to Mexico during natural disasters and has cultural ties with Mexico. However, Mexico’s support for UN Resolution 3379 (1975), which equated Zionism with racism, strained relations and led to a boycott by American Jewish tourists. The resolution was later revoked in 1991. Mexico has balanced its support for Palestine with its ties to Israel.

Nicaragua (Managua)
Nicaragua’s relationship with Israel has been shaped by political changes and ideological shifts since 1948. The country recognized Israel in 1948 and established diplomatic relations shortly thereafter. However, in 1982, Nicaragua severed diplomatic relations due to the Sandinista government’s alignment with the Palestinian cause and criticism of Israel’s invasion of Lebanon. Relations were reestablished in 1992 under a more centrist Nicaraguan government. In 2010, Nicaragua again severed ties with Israel following the Gaza flotilla incident, reflecting its growing anti-Israel rhetoric and ties to Iran. Diplomatic relations were restored in 2017, but exchanges remained limited. In 2024, Nicaragua strained relations again amid the Gaza conflict, accusing Israel of committing “genocide” against Palestinians. As of 2025, Nicaragua has no diplomatic relations with Israel.

Panama (Panama City)
Panama has been a staunch supporter of Israel since its inception in 1948, maintaining diplomatic and cooperative ties. It voted in favor of the 1947 UN Partition Plan and was among the first countries to recognize Israel after its independence. During the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Panama provided arms to Israel through clandestine operations. In 1963, Panama and Israel signed a cooperation agreement in culture and tourism. Panama has consistently voted in favor of Israel on key international issues, including opposing UN General Assembly Resolution 67/19 in 2012. However, relations cooled in 1974 when Panama began supporting anti-Israel resolutions to gain favor with Third World countries.

Paraguay (Asunción)
Paraguay has been a close friend of Israel since its creation in 1948, with diplomatic relations established in 1949. However, the relationship faced challenges in the 2000s-2018, with Israel closing its embassy in Asunción in 2002 and reopening it in 2015. In 2018, Paraguay moved its embassy to Jerusalem, becoming the third country to recognize the city as Israel’s capital. In 2023, President Santiago Peña announced plans to move the embassy back to Jerusalem, and in 2024, Paraguay supported Israel in the South African case against Israel and voted against an arms embargo on Israel at the United Nations Human Rights Council. In December 2024, Paraguay’s embassy in Jerusalem was inaugurated, solidifying renewed ties between the two nations.

Peru (Lima)
Peru has been a close friend of Israel since 1948, maintaining strong diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties. The relationship was shaped by Peru’s recognition of Palestine and efforts to balance relations with Israel and the Arab world. Diplomatic relations were established in 1956 and elevated to embassy level in 1958. From the 1960s to 2000s, Peru and Israel strengthened ties through humanitarian, economic, and military cooperation. Peru recognized Palestine as a sovereign state in 2011, causing tension but not resulting in a severance of ties.

Puerto Rico (San Juan)
Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, lacks an independent foreign policy, including with Israel, due to its status as a U.S. territory. The relationship between Puerto Rico and Israel is influenced by cultural, political, and social dynamics within the Puerto Rican community and its alignment with broader U.S. policies. Since Israel’s establishment in 1948, Puerto Rico has generally followed U.S. foreign policy regarding Israel. Some Puerto Ricans express solidarity with Palestinians due to parallels between Puerto Rico’s colonial status and the Palestinian struggle for statehood.

Suriname (Paramaribo)
Suriname has maintained friendly relations with Israel since its independence in 1975, despite not starting in 1948 as a Dutch colony. Diplomatic relations were established, and they cooperate in agriculture, trade, and technology. Israel provides expertise in water management and agricultural development through programs like Mashav. Both countries maintain embassies for diplomatic and consular services. In May 2022, Suriname announced plans to open an embassy in Jerusalem, aligning with other nations recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. As of 2024, the relationship remains positive, with both countries actively working to strengthen their partnership.

Uruguay (Montevideo)
Uruguay and Israel have maintained diplomatic relations since May 19, 1948. Uruguay was the first South American nation to recognize Israel and the fourth country in the world to do so. The relationship between the two countries is characterized by cultural and economic cooperation. Uruguayan diplomat Enrique Fabregat, as part of the UN Special Commission on Palestine, recommended the partition of Palestine into Jewish and Arab states. An Israeli street is named for Fabregat. Uruguay recognized Israel four days after Israel declared its independence. Uruguay was the first South American country to recognize Israel. Israel’s envoy, Yaakov Zur, presented his treaty to the President of Uruguay, Luis Batlle Berres.

Venezuela (Caracas)
The relationship between Israel and Venezuela has evolved significantly over time, from early friendship to a complete severance of diplomatic ties under Hugo Chávez’s presidency. Venezuela initially supported Israel’s admission to the United Nations in 1947, and diplomatic relations were established in 1950. However, relations deteriorated under Chávez, who aligned Venezuela with anti-Israel allies like Iran and Cuba and criticized U.S.-Israeli policies. Chávez expelled the Israeli ambassador during the 2006 Lebanon War, downgraded economic and military ties, and accused Israel of committing “genocide.” From 2008 to 2009, Chávez severed all diplomatic ties with Israel, expelled Israeli diplomats from Caracas, and accused Israel of conducting a “Holocaust” against Palestinians. As of April 2025, relations between Israel and Venezuela remain severed, with Venezuela continuing to support Palestine while maintaining its alignment with anti-Israel allies like Iran.

Israel-Latin-America relations: Trends.
In 2025, Latin American countries’ stance towards Israel is diverse, with Argentina maintaining good relations with Israel, El Salvador supporting Israel, Bolivia cutting diplomatic ties, Belize severing ties, Venezuela cutting ties in 2009, Chile recalling ambassadors from Tel Aviv, Colombia supporting legal actions against Israel, Brazil criticizing Israel’s actions, and some evangelical groups supporting Israel. Mexico supports Palestinian causes but maintains diplomatic relations with Israel due to bilateral priorities with the U.S. The trend in Latin America is towards more criticism of Israel, particularly following recent conflicts in Gaza. However, a growing evangelical movement in some countries could potentially increase support for Israel in the future.

— Frederic Eger