Latin American Nations Move Closer to Israel as Right-Wing Leaders Gain Power

Several Latin American countries are strengthening diplomatic relations with Israel following the emergence of right-wing governments, reversing policies adopted by previous administrations in response to Israel’s war on Gaza.

The growing diplomatic shift has been reflected in decisions to restore diplomatic relations, appoint ambassadors, expand security cooperation and relocate embassies to Jerusalem, a city claimed as a capital by both Israelis and Palestinians.

Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, welcomed Colombia’s decision to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, describing the development as an important diplomatic victory for Israel.

Saar also suggested that Brazil could eventually follow Colombia and other countries in relocating its embassy to the disputed city.

Political Changes Drive Diplomatic Realignment

The shift in Latin America's relationship with Israel has coincided with the rise of conservative leaders who favour closer relations with the United States under President Donald Trump.

Analysts say the development reflects a combination of political calculations, ideological similarities, religious influence and sustained lobbying by pro-Israel organisations.

Marta Tawil Kuri, a research professor at the College of Mexico, said the changing diplomatic landscape was being shaped by right-wing leaders seeking closer alignment with Washington, evangelical Christian constituencies and Israel's diplomatic outreach.

Colombia provides one of the clearest examples of the transformation.

Former President Gustavo Petro severed diplomatic relations with Israel over its military campaign in Gaza, halted coal exports to the country and suspended military and security cooperation.

However, his successor, Abelardo de la Espriella, who assumed office in August 2026, has moved quickly to reverse those policies.

His administration has announced plans to relocate Colombia's embassy to Jerusalem, restore diplomatic representation and recognise Israel's claim to the occupied Golan Heights in Syria.

The two countries have also introduced visa-free travel arrangements for their citizens, signalling a further improvement in bilateral relations.

Similar developments have occurred elsewhere in the region.

Argentina's President Javier Milei has emerged as one of Israel's strongest supporters, while Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz has reversed the diplomatic position adopted by previous left-wing governments.

Chile's President José Antonio Kast has also appointed an ambassador to Israel, while Honduras's President Nasry Asfura has restored diplomatic representation.

Venezuela, meanwhile, announced plans to restore consular relations with Israel in August, ending nearly two decades of hostility under former leaders Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro.

Brazil's Election Could Further Strengthen Israel's Position

Brazil has become a major focus of attention as its presidential election campaign brings the country's relationship with Israel into the political spotlight.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a prominent supporter of Palestinian rights, is facing a strong challenge from right-wing senator Flávio Bolsonaro.

Bolsonaro has openly promoted closer relations with Israel, received public support from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and appeared alongside Argentina's Milei during his presidential campaign.

Netanyahu has described Bolsonaro as a friend and a strong supporter of relations between the two countries.

Analysts believe Bolsonaro's campaign is seeking to position itself within a broader conservative political alliance associated with Trump and Israel.

Alexander Main, director of international policy at the Center for Economic and Policy Research in Washington, said the prominent involvement of foreign leaders in Latin American election campaigns represented a notable development in the region's politics.

According to analysts, closer relations with Israel could also provide Latin American governments with access to military equipment, intelligence cooperation, security training and surveillance technologies.

These potential benefits have become increasingly relevant as conservative governments emphasise counterterrorism and regional security.

Trump's Influence Shapes Regional Alliances

The diplomatic realignment is also linked to Washington's efforts to strengthen its influence across the Western Hemisphere.

Several Latin American countries have joined the US-led Shield of the Americas security initiative, which focuses on combating drug trafficking and organised crime.

The alliance brings together governments from across the region and forms part of Trump's broader strategy to limit the influence of rival global powers, particularly China.

Analysts say some participating governments share security priorities with Israel, creating opportunities for closer political and military cooperation.

However, the shift has also deepened divisions between conservative administrations and political movements that view Israel's military campaign in Gaza as a violation of Palestinian rights.

Before the recent political changes, several Latin American governments condemned Israel's actions and supported international legal efforts seeking accountability over the war.

Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Bolivia, Chile, Cuba, Belize and Nicaragua have all, at different points, supported or participated in initiatives connected to South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

Evangelical Christian Groups Expand Pro-Israel Campaigns

Religious influence is another important factor behind the growing ties.

In Brazil, the Evangelical Parliamentary Front, a coalition of pro-Israel evangelical legislators, represents a substantial bloc in both chambers of Congress.

Its political influence has encouraged presidential candidates and other politicians to strengthen their relationships with Israel in an effort to appeal to evangelical voters.

Christian Zionism, which supports Israel partly on religious grounds, has also gained influence in countries such as Honduras and Guatemala.

Both countries have moved their embassies to Jerusalem, reflecting their governments' support for Israel.

Pro-Israel organisations based in the United States have also intensified their engagement with Latin American political leaders.

One such organisation, the Latino Coalition for Israel, has organised delegations and held meetings with officials across the region to promote closer relations with Israel.

The groups argue that their support is rooted in religious beliefs concerning the Jewish people's connection to the land of Israel and Jerusalem.

Isaac Accords Seek to Expand Israel's Regional Influence

Argentina's Milei has also launched an initiative known as the Isaac Accords to encourage stronger relations between Israel and Latin American countries.

The initiative was established following the Genesis Prize Foundation's decision to award Milei $1 million in 2025 in recognition of his support for Israel.

Modelled partly on the Abraham Accords, which facilitated the normalisation of relations between Israel and several Arab countries, the Isaac Accords seek to promote diplomatic, economic and civil society cooperation.

The initiative also supports pro-Israel organisations and monitors political developments that demonstrate governments' changing positions towards Israel.

In late September, Netanyahu met with the leaders of Bolivia, Panama and Paraguay on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly and urged them to join the initiative.

The meeting formed part of Israel's broader effort to build new international partnerships at a time when its military campaign in Gaza has attracted widespread international criticism.

A Region Divided Over Israel

Despite the diplomatic gains, Latin America's changing relationship with Israel remains politically contested.

Conservative leaders increasingly view cooperation with Israel as an opportunity to strengthen ties with Washington, attract security partnerships and consolidate support among religious constituencies.

Meanwhile, critics continue to raise concerns about the humanitarian consequences of Israel's war on Gaza and the implications of moving embassies to Jerusalem, whose status remains internationally disputed.

The direction of the relationship will depend partly on future elections, changes in government and the ability of pro-Israel political movements to maintain their influence.

For now, the growing number of governments restoring ties with Israel marks a significant shift in Latin America's diplomatic landscape, where support for Palestine had become a prominent feature of several left-wing administrations.

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