Israel’s new blossoming friendship with Paraguay

Thursday, December 12, 2024, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) hosted a reception for the visiting President of Paraguay, Santiago Pena. Accompanying him were Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar. The reception drew ambassadors, diplomats, Knesset members and other dignitaries, along with citizens from Paraguay who came to show their support for the deeply felt friendship between both countries.

The reception comes on the heels of a historic moment in diplomatic relations between Israel and Paraguay, after Pena showed his strong commitment to the Jewish State in inaugurating the Paraguayan Embassy in Jerusalem. During his visit to Israel, Pena also condemned the decisions of international criminal courts against the state of Israel.

On Wednesday, Netanyahu commended Pena that his nation rejected the arrest warrants that have been issued against Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

Netanyahu hailed Pena’s dedication to move Paraguay’s embassy to the nation’s capital. He said, “Jerusalem will always be Israel’s undivided capital. This is a fact, and you recognize it. Thank you for opening the embassy here.”

The timing of these enhanced relations could not be better, indicating solid support for Israel. Paraguay is the first nation to move its embassy to Jerusalem since the October 7, 2023 massacre in the south of Israel by Hamas terrorists.

Paraguay continues to stand with Israel in tangible ways, including at United Nations forums. Of note, is Paraguay’s vote in favor of the establishment of the State of Israel in 1947. Israel remembers this sign of loyalty, which is surfacing again this week in Jerusalem.

Paraguay’s intent to move its embassy to Jerusalem was first announced in 2018. However, the move was stopped by the next president of Paraguay, who did not support the idea. Pena was set on correcting that decision when he became president.

At the MFA reception, Foreign Minister Sa’ar said that Pena’s Knesset speech the day before was among the best he had heard in the plenary. He appreciated that Pena spoke from his heart, and expressed his true intentions to help Israel win the support of other nations, spreading the truth with accuracy, in solidarity with Israel’s mission.

Sa’ar shared about Israel’s struggles fighting on seven different fronts for over a year; attacked by countries that Israel does not even share a border with. He added that it also involves the political and diplomatic battles that Israel faces. “This battle is the fight against the new antisemitism that is trying to deny Israel’s right to exist, and its right to defend itself.”

Sa’ar then declared, looking directly at President Pena: “You stood by our right to self-defense with your clear moral position on the outrageous decision of the ICC (International Criminal Court), and I want to praise you for that, Mr. President.”

Sa’ar went on to say that he would try to promote bilateral relations with results.  He sees it as a firm commitment to work together. “It is a friendship between states and a friendship between peoples.”

During the MFA reception, three Memorandum’s of Understanding (MOU’s) were signed, indicating bilateral agreements promised between both countries. This includes a joint declaration emphasizing Paraguay’s support for Israel’s right to defend itself. These MOU’s will build bridges of innovation in the fields of science and technology. Future expectations include advanced relations in joint research, including student exchanges. Another focus will be water resource management to address global water challenges and promote sustainable development.

Paraguay President Pena confirmed his decision to act on the promises of both nations, and not delay. “I am very happy that this is taking place in this very moment that the world is living, where a lot of people talk but not many people act. For us, not only saying, but doing is very important.”

Israel hopes that many countries will follow Paraguay, by increasing diplomatic ties, and voting on Israel’s behalf in international forums. Also, by moving their embassies to Jerusalem, recognizing the city as the eternal capital of Israel. Pena will assist by encouraging all foreign missions and embassies to station their headquarters in the city.

It’s a newfound hope, amid loss and sadness during more than a year of wars in Israel. The hope is that other nations may now follow in Paraguay’s footsteps, and be a support not a detriment in Israel’s struggle to survive and prosper as a nation.

Paraguay President Santiago Pena, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar sign MOU’s at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem. Photo by Carrie Hart.