Several Latin American nations have recently moved to restore or strengthen diplomatic, security, and trade ties with Israel. These shifts involve countries across the political spectrum, including nations that previously maintained close ties with Iran or had severed relations with Israel for decades. The changes include the re-establishment of consular services, the signing of new defense agreements, and the designation of several Middle Eastern groups as terrorist organizations.
This trend follows a period of strained relations in the region. Venezuela had severed all diplomatic ties with Israel 17 years ago, while Bolivia and Chile recently operated without formal ambassadors or active diplomatic cooperation during periods of socialist or leftist governance. The current transition coincides with new leadership in several South American and Central American countries.
Last week, Israel and Venezuela agreed to re-establish consular relations, following the removal of Nicolas Maduro from power. In Bolivia, the new government re-established diplomatic ties, canceled a military agreement with Iran, and removed visa requirements for Israeli citizens. Similarly, Colombia announced it would relocate its embassy to Jerusalem and recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. In Central America, Costa Rica and Honduras have moved to designate Hezbollah and Hamas as terrorist organizations, with Honduras signing a new defense and security agreement with Israel.
The diplomatic changes will result in concrete shifts for residents of Colombia and Costa Rica, as both nations have committed to moving their embassies to Jerusalem. This relocation changes where citizens of those countries must go for high-level consular services in Israel. Additionally, the designation of groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as terrorist organizations in countries such as Ecuador, Argentina, and the Dominican Republic establishes new legal precedents for law enforcement and financial monitoring within those borders. In Argentina, this policy was underscored by the recent expulsion of Iran’s top diplomat, Mohsen Soltani.
What happens next depends on the durability of these agreements through future electoral cycles. While Peru has already confirmed its $60 million defense acquisition, other nations are just beginning to explore cooperation in science, technology, and aerospace. The restoration of consular services in Venezuela and the relocation of embassies in Colombia and Costa Rica are ongoing processes without a final completion date reported. Observers note the current period represents a transition for Israel to establish long-term economic and scientific partnerships that may persist regardless of future political shifts in Latin American leadership.