On December 10, 2025, Israel and Bolivia officially restored diplomatic relations after a turbulent sixteen-year period marked by repeated ruptures, shifting governments, and the broader geopolitical tides sweeping Latin America. The historic renewal was sealed in Washington, where Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and his Bolivian counterpart, Fernando Aramayo, signed an accord to revive bilateral ties—a move hailed by both nations as the dawn of a new era.
The significance of this event stretches well beyond a simple handshake between diplomats. According to the Associated Press, Bolivia's new right-wing government, led by President Rodrigo Paz, is orchestrating a dramatic realignment of the country's foreign policy. Just two years ago, Bolivia was among Israel's most vocal critics in Latin America, severing ties in late October 2023 over Israel's military campaign against Hamas in Gaza. That decision, made under the leftist government of Luis Arce and the long-dominant MAS party, marked the latest in a series of diplomatic freezes dating back to 2009, when Bolivia first cut relations following Israel's Operation Cast Lead.
For many Bolivians and Israelis, the restoration of ties is about more than politics—it's about reconnecting with a shared history. The Israeli Foreign Ministry, in a statement quoted by Ynet, recalled that "Israel and Bolivia first established diplomatic relations in 1950. There have been disagreements but our friendship goes back decades." The ministry also noted that "tens of thousands of 'mochileros' (Israeli backpackers) have fond memories and look forward to visiting again."
The recent shift in Bolivia's political landscape paved the way for this diplomatic thaw. In October 2025, Bolivians elected Rodrigo Paz, a center-right senator, as president, ending nearly two decades of socialist rule under Evo Morales and Luis Arce. Morales, who became Bolivia's first Indigenous president in 2006, had sent Israel's ambassador packing shortly after taking power, aligning Bolivia with Iran and other anti-Western states. The MAS party's return to power in 2020 saw a repeat of this hardline stance, with ties to Israel again severed in 2023 following the renewed Gaza conflict.
But the winds of change have blown through La Paz. Paz's government, as reported by the AP, is determined to "rebuild Bolivia's international prestige, open new economic opportunities and strengthen alliances that directly benefit the country and our citizens abroad." In a practical gesture reflecting this new orientation, Bolivia recently lifted visa requirements for Israeli tourists—a move warmly welcomed by Israel. Saar, speaking on the occasion of the restoration, said he had spoken with Paz the day after his election to "convey Israel's desire to open a new chapter."
The diplomatic engagement has extended beyond Israel. Bolivian Foreign Minister Fernando Aramayo traveled to Washington not only to meet with Saar but also to hold talks with American officials, signaling a broader shift away from the anti-Western policies that had left Bolivia diplomatically isolated and economically constrained. For years, Bolivia's foreign policy under the MAS party was characterized by close ties to China, Russia, and Venezuela, and a sustained antagonism toward the United States and its allies. Now, under Paz, the country appears eager to rejoin the global mainstream.
Israel, for its part, has been actively courting Latin America. Amir Ofek, deputy director general for Latin America and the Caribbean at Israel's Foreign Ministry, told Ynet, "We hope and believe that 2026 will be the year of Latin America, a year that will look different diplomatically, one in which we see a positive change in the relations of the continent’s countries with Israel." He noted that the ministry is prioritizing deeper ties with the region, and that Saar has already visited Paraguay and Argentina, two of Israel's closest friends in Latin America.
Recent months have seen a flurry of diplomatic activity. According to Ynet, Israel and Costa Rica signed a free trade agreement, and Costa Rica announced plans to open an embassy branch in Jerusalem in 2026. Ecuador, meanwhile, has designated Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran's Revolutionary Guard as terrorist organizations and opened an innovation office in Jerusalem. Guatemala, Paraguay, and Honduras already have embassies in Israel's capital, and Argentina is set to join them in spring 2026, as announced by President Javier Milei. These moves, Ofek said, are part of a "trend of change" that is reshaping the continent's relationship with Israel.
The restoration of Israel-Bolivia ties is emblematic of this broader transformation. In the words of Bolivia's Foreign Ministry, the renewed relationship is part of a strategic effort to "rebuild Bolivia's international prestige, open new economic opportunities and strengthen alliances that directly benefit the country and our citizens abroad." For Israel, it represents the reestablishment of a partnership that, despite its ups and downs, has a long and meaningful history. Bolivia opened its doors to Jews fleeing the Holocaust and was among the first nations to recognize the State of Israel in 1947. As Ynet noted, the small Jewish community in Bolivia has long hoped for a fresh start in relations with Jerusalem.
Looking ahead, both countries see opportunities on the horizon. The easing of visa restrictions is expected to boost tourism and business ties, while the normalization of relations opens the door to cooperation in technology, agriculture, and security. Bolivian Finance Minister Jose Gabriel Espinoza attended the Washington signing, underscoring the economic dimension of the new partnership. The hope, as expressed by officials from both countries, is that this renewed friendship will yield tangible benefits for ordinary citizens—whether they are entrepreneurs, students, or, yes, adventurous backpackers.
The broader context, however, remains complex. Other left-leaning Latin American governments, such as those in Chile and Colombia, have taken steps to distance themselves from Israel in recent years, recalling ambassadors and supporting legal actions against Israel at the United Nations. Yet, Israeli officials are optimistic that upcoming elections across the continent—in Chile, Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, and Honduras—could bring to power leaders more inclined toward engagement with Israel. Ofek pointed to the "unprecedented number" of delegations and outreach efforts in 2025, expressing hope that "we will keep it going next year as well."
For now, the restoration of diplomatic ties between Israel and Bolivia is a potent symbol of shifting alliances and new possibilities in Latin America. As Gideon Saar put it, "There is significant progress in many fields, and we will continue it." For both nations, and for the broader region, this new chapter is just beginning.
