JERUSALEM – Paraguay has once again taken center stage on the international diplomatic scene by reopening its embassy in Jerusalem, affirming its recognition of the city as Israel’s capital. This event, which occurred on December 12, 2024, is seen as a significant diplomatic win for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a time when Israel has been increasingly isolated amid the prolonged and devastating war in Gaza.
The decision to relocate the embassy back to Jerusalem was announced by Paraguayan President Santiago Peña, who is closely aligned with former President Horacio Cartes, under whose administration Paraguay first moved its embassy to the city back in 2018. That initial decision was soon reversed after Cartes left office, following the election of President Mario Abdo Benitez, who shifted Paraguay's foreign policy. Peña's actions now mark Paraguay as the first country to reinstate its embassy there since Hamas's attacks sparked the current conflict on October 7, 2023.
The reopening ceremony was filled with optimism, with Peña stating, "We were with you, we are with you, and we will stay with the people of Israel forever." He urged the strengthening of ties between Paraguay and Israel, emphasizing their potential for high-level collaboration, particularly in technology and innovation. "My approach is to think of Paraguay as an extension of Israeli territory,” he remarked.
The visit highlighted the growing friendship between the two nations, underscored by shared values and faith. Netanyahu reciprocated Peña's sentiments by affirming Israel’s unwavering stance on Jerusalem, declaring, "Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. It will always be the capital of Israel." He referred to the embassy reopening as "a beating heart of our friendship,” and expressed gratitude for Paraguay’s solidarity.
This major diplomatic shift places Paraguay alongside the likes of the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, and Papua New Guinea, countries which have acknowledged Jerusalem as Israel's capital and have their embassies stationed there. Most nations still prefer the traditional practice of operating their embassies out of Tel Aviv, reflecting the contentious nature of Jerusalem's status.
The matter of Jerusalem is deep-rooted and delicate, almost synonymous with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel considers the entire city as its unified capital, stressing its historic connection, whereas Palestinians aspire for East Jerusalem to be the capital of their anticipated state. Israel's annexation of East Jerusalem, which houses significant religious sites, is not recognized by the international community, complicacing diplomatic relations and igniting tensions.
Nonetheless, Paraguay's latest move indicates not just support for Israel, but also highlights the influence of evangelical support for such diplomatic ties. Countries with strong evangelical communities, like Honduras and Guatemala, have shown similar enthusiasm for solidifying relations with Israel. Peña's administration is no stranger to this dynamic, aiming to align Paraguay’s policies with those of the former U.S. administration under Donald Trump, which heavily advocated for Israel.
The backdrop of Peña’s visit is particularly important, as Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant find themselves facing international scrutiny over the actions taken during the Gaza conflict. Last month, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for both leaders, asserting accusations of crimes against humanity due to the high civilian casualty rate reported by Palestinian authorities, which has recently exceeded 44,800.
Even amid these serious allegations, Peña extended an invitation for Netanyahu to visit Paraguay, thereby signaling strong bilateral relations and future collaboration. Israel's Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, noted the shared ideals between the two nations, highlighting mutual interests beyond mere political alignment.
While Paraguay's Jewish community remains small, its leadership has been committed to fostering ties with Israel, pointing to past historical connections and faith-based commonalities as foundations for their growing partnership. Peña has expressed hope this embassy reinauguration will pave the way for other nations, particularly regional players such as Argentina, to recognize and adjust their policies toward Israel.
Current international diplomacy is fraught with challenges, yet Paraguay’s recalibration of its foreign policy stands out as not just an act of support for Israel, but also as part of its broader strategy to gain more recognition on the global stage. The importance of faith and shared values echoed throughout the reopening ceremony, with Peña asserting, "When you have faith, there’s nothing you cannot endure. So I think this is the most important thing: our great importance in our faith and what we believe and the creation of an idea we deserve an opportunity.” This sentiment captures not just the spirit of the event but the heartfelt stance of two nations seeking to solidify their place on such a complex world stage.
