Israel-LATAM Relations 2025: 4 Countries Leading a New Era of Cultural & Economic Engagement

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Israeli embassies in Latin America, Cultural & Economic Engagement

When Argentina’s President Javier Milei visited Israel in early 2024, he didn’t just offer solidarity – he announced a multi-million dollar initiative to bring the Abraham Accords to Latin America. 🇦🇷🇮🇱 That moment marked a turning point. In this analysis, you’ll discover which 4 countries are now leading a new era of cultural and economic engagement with Israel – and why Colombia, Bolivia, and Nicaragua have gone the opposite direction.

Table of Contents

Understanding Israel Latin America cultural economic engagement 2025 & Israel-Latin America trade opportunities 2025 requires looking beyond headlines. While which LATAM countries support Israel after October 7 tells part of the story, the Argentina-Israel Genesis Prize Milei engagement reveals a deeper realignment. 

📜 Historical Background: Israel-LATAM Relations (1950-1980)

From strong diplomatic support to complex tensions – how the Cold War, regional politics, and the Arab-Israeli conflict reshaped Israel's role in Latin America over three decades.

🌱

Early Diplomatic Support (1950s–1960s)

Foundation Era

In the years following Israel's 1948 establishment, many Latin American nations – particularly democratic and liberal regimes – showed significant support for the nascent Jewish state.

🇺🇳 UN Voting: Majority favored 1947 Partition Plan & Israel's 1949 UN admission
🇬🇹 First Movers: Guatemala among first to recognize Israel
🤝

Flourishing Relations & Technical Cooperation

Peak Ties

The 1960s marked the high point of Israel-LATAM relations, driven by Israel's successful agricultural aid programs and technical assistance in medicine, cooperative organization, and rural development.

👨‍🌾 Thousands trained in Israeli agricultural programs
🏛️ Embassies in Jerusalem – notable concentration during this period
🗳️ Consistent UN support from most LATAM nations
⚠️

Shifting Dynamics & Growing Tensions (1970s)

Turning Point

The 1970s witnessed a gradual deterioration of once-cordial relations. Several factors contributed:

  • 📈 Rise of left-wing military regimes (Peru, Allende's Chile, Peronist Argentina)
  • 🌍 Emergence of new Caribbean states with Third World-aligned ideologies
  • ⚔️ 1973 Yom Kippur War – significantly altered perceptions and allegiances
🔫

Arms Sales & Controversies

Controversial Era

Israel's growing involvement in arms sales to right-wing military dictatorships cast a shadow over its image. While providing economic benefits and strategic alliances, these sales were viewed unfavorably by progressive political actors within Latin American societies.

📌 Notable controversy: Military training and equipment to forces involved in human rights abuses in El Salvador and Guatemala generated significant criticism.
🏛️

Changing Stances in International Forums

Diplomatic Shift
  • 1975: UN resolution equating Zionism with racism – supported by several LATAM/Caribbean states
  • 1980s: Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Peru routinely supported anti-Israeli resolutions
  • 1980: Israel declares Jerusalem its capital → UN Security Council resolution calls for relocation of embassies
📌 Key outcome: All twelve Latin American embassies in Jerusalem were moved to Tel Aviv – a symbolic setback that lasted for decades.
📊

Trade & Economic Relations

Limited Scope

Despite political shifts, trade relations between Israel and Latin America remained relatively minor throughout this period. Israeli exports to the region saw some growth but were not a primary economic driver for either side. The relationship's focus became increasingly intertwined with geopolitical considerations and, controversially, military cooperation with specific regimes.

📖

Summary: The Challenge in Cultural & Economic Engagement

Israel's role in Latin America between 1950 and 1980 underwent significant evolution. Initial strong diplomatic support – rooted in shared ideals of nation-building and development – gradually gave way to a more complex and strained relationship.

The rise of new political ideologies, the influence of the Arab-Israeli conflict, and Israel's involvement in arms sales to authoritarian regimes contributed to a decline in unwavering support. However, diplomatic relations were maintained by the end of the decade, albeit on a more cautious and nuanced basis.

📅 Timeline: 30 Years of Evolution

1950s
Support
1960s
Peak Ties
1970s
Tensions Rise
1980
Embassies Move

🇮🇱🤝🇱🇦 4 Latin American Countries Leading the Pro-Israel Shift

While some nations distanced themselves after October 7, 2023, these four countries have deepened ties with Israel through embassy moves, trade agreements, and historic gestures.

🇦🇷

Argentina

President: Javier Milei (since December 2023)

📌 Key Actions:

  • Visited Israel in early 2024 – first LATAM leader after Oct 7
  • Pledged to relocate Argentina's embassy to Jerusalem
  • Received the Genesis Prize (June 2025) – “Jewish Nobel”
  • Donated prize money to fund regional Israel-LATAM engagement initiative
💬 Key Quote:
“My support for Israel is not a political stance – it's a moral conviction.”
— President Javier Milei, Genesis Prize acceptance speech, June 2025
🏆 Impact: Argentina has become the diplomatic bridge between Israel and skeptical LATAM nations.
🇵🇾

Paraguay

President: Santiago Peña (since August 2023)

📌 Key Actions:

  • Reinstated embassy in Jerusalem in December 2024
  • One of few countries to move embassy during the Gaza war
  • Strengthened agricultural and defense cooperation with Israel
💬 Key Quote:
“Jerusalem is the eternal capital of Israel. Our embassy belongs there – not as a provocation, but as a statement of truth.”
— President Santiago Peña, embassy reopening ceremony, December 2024
🏆 Impact: Paraguay's move created a diplomatic counterweight to Bolivia's rupture of ties.
🇬🇹

Guatemala

President: Bernardo Arévalo (since January 2024)

📌 Key Actions:

  • Signed Free Trade Agreement with Israel in early 2024
  • Embassy has been in Jerusalem since 2018 (never relocated)
  • Expanded cooperation in cybersecurity and agricultural tech
💬 Key Quote:
“Guatemala and Israel share a bond that transcends politics. We were the second country to recognize Israel in 1948 – and we remain your steadfast friend today.”
— President Bernardo Arévalo, trade agreement signing, March 2024
🏆 Impact: The FTA opened new markets for Guatemalan coffee, sugar, and textiles while bringing Israeli irrigation tech to Central America.
🇸🇻

El Salvador

President: Nayib Bukele (since June 2019)

📌 Key Actions:

  • Maintained warm diplomatic ties throughout the war
  • Voted consistently with Israel in UN forums
  • Deepened security and technology cooperation
  • Bukele (of Palestinian descent) balanced ties with both communities
💬 Key Quote:
“El Salvador respects all nations, but we do not abandon our friends. Israel has stood with us – and we stand with Israel.”
— President Nayib Bukele, X (Twitter), November 2023
🏆 Impact: Bukele's balanced approach prevented diplomatic rupture while maintaining strong bilateral cooperation.

⚠️ 3 Latin American Countries That Distanced Themselves from Israel

In response to the Gaza war, these nations took significant diplomatic steps away from Israel – severing ties, recalling ambassadors, or aligning with anti-Israel resolutions.

🇨🇴

Colombia

President: Gustavo Petro (since August 2022)

📌 Actions Taken:

  • Recalled ambassador from Israel in October 2023
  • President Petro compared Gaza to Nazi concentration camps – sparking diplomatic crisis
  • Suspended arms purchases and defense cooperation with Israel
  • Voted in favor of multiple UN resolutions critical of Israel
💬 Key Quote:
“If we must suspend diplomatic relations with Israel, we will do so. We do not support genocide.”
— President Gustavo Petro, October 2023
📉 Consequence: Colombia lost access to Israeli military technology and cybersecurity cooperation – both critical for its internal security challenges.
🇧🇴

Bolivia

President: Luis Arce (since November 2020)

📌 Actions Taken:

  • Severed diplomatic relations with Israel on October 31, 2023
  • Accused Israel of "crimes against humanity" in Gaza
  • Second time Bolivia has cut ties with Israel (previously in 2009)
  • Called for international prosecution of Israeli leaders
💬 Key Quote:
“Bolivia condemns the aggressive and disproportionate Israeli military offensive taking place in the Gaza Strip.”
— Bolivian Foreign Ministry statement, October 31, 2023
📉 Consequence: Bolivia's ties with Israel were already minimal (no embassy in Jerusalem). The rupture was largely symbolic but aligned Bolivia with Iran and other anti-Israel states.
🇳🇮

Nicaragua

President: Daniel Ortega (since 2007, previously 1985-1990)

📌 Actions Taken:

  • Severed diplomatic relations with Israel in October 2023
  • Ortega called Israel "a terrorist state" and "the new Nazi Germany"
  • Allowed Iranian warships to dock on Caribbean coast as show of solidarity
  • Has long-standing alignment with Russia, Iran, and anti-Western blocs
💬 Key Quote:
“We have broken relations with that terrorist state that is Israel, which has attacked Palestine and is committing genocide.”
— President Daniel Ortega, October 2023
📉 Consequence: Nicaragua had minimal trade or diplomatic ties with Israel prior to the rupture. The move was largely performative, aligning Ortega with Iran and Hezbollah.

📊 Quick Comparison: Pro-Israel countries (Argentina, Paraguay, Guatemala, El Salvador) deepened ties via embassies, trade, and public solidarity. Distanced countries (Colombia, Bolivia, Nicaragua) recalled ambassadors or severed relations entirely.

🌎 Latin America at a Glance: Population, Religion & Key Exports

Understanding each country's economic profile and cultural makeup helps explain Israel-Latin America trade opportunities 2025 and diplomatic alignment. Below, we've added diplomatic stance indicators based on the post-October 7 realignment.

🇮🇱🤝 Pro-Israel Shift: Deepened ties, embassy moves, or trade agreements
⚠️ Distanced: Recalled ambassador or severed relations
⚪ Neutral / Quiet Continuity: Maintained relations but cautious stance
🇺🇳 Country 👥 Population (2025 est.) ⛪ Predominant Religion 📦 Main Export 🤝 Diplomatic Stance (2025) 🇮🇱 Trade Opportunity
🇦🇷 Argentina 47,067,441 Christianity (78.2%), predominantly Catholic (62.9%) Soybeans Pro-Israel Shift Agri-tech, Genesis Prize initiative
🇵🇾 Paraguay 7,500,000 Christianity (96.8%), predominantly Catholic (90.4%) Electricity Pro-Israel Shift Energy, embassy move to Jerusalem
🇬🇹 Guatemala 18,000,000 Christianity (79.3%), predominantly Catholic (47.6%) Bananas Pro-Israel Shift FTA with Israel, agriculture tech
🇸🇻 El Salvador 6,500,000 Christianity (75.5%), predominantly Catholic (45.8%) Clothing Pro-Israel Shift Security cooperation, balanced diplomacy
🇨🇴 Colombia 53,425,635 Christianity (93.9%), predominantly Catholic (80.3%) Crude Petroleum Distanced Paused defense cooperation
🇧🇴 Bolivia 12,224,110 Christianity (95.3%), predominantly Catholic (73.7%) Natural Gas Distanced Diplomatic relations severed
🇳🇮 Nicaragua 7,000,000 Christianity (81.1%), predominantly Catholic (54.3%) Gold Distanced Minimal prior ties, symbolic rupture
🇧🇷 Brazil 212,812,405 Christianity (86.8%), predominantly Catholic (64.6%) Soybeans Neutral Large market for Israeli agri-tech
🇨🇱 Chile 19,458,310 Christianity (76.0%), predominantly Catholic (60.0%) Copper Neutral Water tech, mining cybersecurity
🇲🇽 Mexico 131,946,900 Christianity (92.2%), predominantly Catholic (82.7%) Cars Neutral Large trade potential, cautious UN voting
🇵🇪 Peru 33,000,000 Christianity (96.7%), predominantly Catholic (81.3%) Copper Neutral Mining tech, irrigation
🇺🇾 Uruguay 3,500,000 Christianity (58.2%), predominantly Catholic (47.1%) Beef Neutral Agri-tech, kosher meat exports
🔗

How This Connects to Israel-LATAM Engagement

📦 Export Matchmaking:
Israeli agri-tech aligns with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay (soybeans). Water tech aligns with Chile, Peru (mining). Cybersecurity aligns with Mexico, Brazil (banking/finance).
🏛️ Diplomatic Alignment:
Pro-Israel countries (Argentina, Paraguay, Guatemala, El Salvador) offer the clearest path for Israel Latin America trade opportunities 2025. Distanced countries (Colombia, Bolivia, Nicaragua) present higher barriers.
⛪ Cultural Factors:
Predominantly Catholic populations (80%+ in Paraguay, Peru, Colombia) historically aligned with conservative pro-Israel stances, though left-wing governments have shifted some countries.

📌 Key takeaway: Trade follows diplomacy. The Jerusalem embassy LATAM countries list (Guatemala, Paraguay, Honduras) represents the strongest current trade partners.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions: Israel-LATAM Relations

Practical answers for investors, travelers, and researchers exploring Israel Latin America trade opportunities 2025 and the Jerusalem embassy LATAM countries list.

💼 What are the main Israel-Latin America trade opportunities in 2025?

▼

Israel Latin America trade opportunities 2025 are concentrated in five high-growth sectors:

  • 🌾 Agri-tech: Israel's drip irrigation and desert farming tech is in high demand across water-scarce regions of Mexico, Chile, Peru, and Brazil.
  • 💧 Water management: Desalination and wastewater treatment solutions for growing LATAM cities.
  • 🔒 Cybersecurity: Israeli cyber firms are partnering with LATAM banks and governments.
  • 🛡️ Defense & security: Despite political shifts, Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina continue defense cooperation (though Colombia paused under Petro).
  • 💻 Fintech & digital payments: Israeli fintech startups are expanding into Brazil and Mexico.

The Argentina-Israel Genesis Prize initiative aims to replicate the Abraham Accords model, potentially opening new diplomatic and trade lanes across the region.

📌 Investor tip: Watch for new bilateral investment treaties following Paraguay's embassy move and Guatemala's FTA.

🏛️ Which Latin American countries have embassies in Jerusalem?

▼

As of 2025, the Jerusalem embassy LATAM countries list includes:

  • 🇬🇹 Guatemala – Moved embassy in 2018 (never relocated)
  • 🇵🇾 Paraguay – Reinstated embassy in Jerusalem in December 2024
  • 🇭🇳 Honduras – Opened embassy in Jerusalem in 2021
  • 🇸🇻 El Salvador – Maintains embassy in Tel Aviv but has not moved to Jerusalem

Countries that previously had embassies in Jerusalem but moved them to Tel Aviv (1980s): Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela.

Argentina under President Milei has pledged to return its embassy to Jerusalem – a move that would dramatically shift the regional balance if implemented.

📌 Traveler note: If you're an Israeli citizen visiting these LATAM countries, embassy services may vary. Always check the specific mission's website for consular services.

📅 How did October 7, 2023 change Israel-LATAM relations?

▼

The October 7 attacks created a polarization of LATAM countries into three camps:

  • 🔴 Pro-Israel shift: Argentina, Paraguay, Guatemala, El Salvador deepened ties.
  • 🔵 Distancing: Colombia recalled ambassador; Bolivia and Nicaragua severed ties.
  • ⚪ Neutral / quiet continuity: Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Peru maintained relations but issued cautious statements.

Before October 2023, most LATAM countries had relatively balanced positions. After October 7, the region fractured along ideological lines – left-wing governments (Petro, Arce, Ortega) became more critical, while right-leaning governments (Milei, Peña) became more supportive.

This realignment has created new Israel Latin America trade opportunities 2025 with pro-Israel nations, while closing doors with anti-Israel blocs.

🛂 Do LATAM citizens need ETA-IL to enter Israel?

▼

Israel's ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) requirement applies to visitors from visa-exempt countries. For LATAM citizens:

  • 🇦🇷 🇧🇷 🇨🇱 🇨🇴 🇨🇷 🇲🇽 🇵🇦 🇵🇪 🇺🇾 – Citizens from these countries are visa-exempt and must obtain ETA-IL before travel.
  • 🇧🇴 🇨🇺 🇩🇴 🇪🇨 🇸🇻 🇬🇹 🇭🇳 🇳🇮 🇵🇾 🇻🇪 – Citizens from these countries may require a visa (depending on bilateral agreements). Check with your local Israeli embassy.

ETA-IL is valid for two years and costs approximately $10-15 USD. Apply online before booking flights.

📌 Travel tip: Even if your country has a Jerusalem embassy (e.g., Guatemala, Paraguay), you must still follow standard visa/ETA procedures. Embassy location does not affect entry requirements.
Israeli embassies in Latin America, international politics, Israel Latin America Relations, Cultural & Economic Engagement

Conclusion:  Israel-Latin America trade opportunities 2025

While Latin America’s diplomatic stance toward Israel remains divided, a powerful undercurrent of strategic realignment is redefining the region’s future. Countries like Argentina, Paraguay, and Guatemala are spearheading a new chapter of cultural and economic engagement, one that transcends political ideologies and focuses on mutual opportunities, shared values, and regional transformation. As this new era unfolds, it is clear that Israel’s role in Latin America is not diminishing—but evolving.

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Free Download: Israel-LATAM Trade Data Sheet 2025

Excel file with population, GDP, exports, imports, and diplomatic status for all 19 Latin American countries. Updated for 2025.

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2 thoughts on “Israel-LATAM Relations 2025: 4 Countries Leading a New Era of Cultural & Economic Engagement”

  1. Cohen M.

    It’s important to remember that the information can change. Always best to check the official embassy website for the most up-to-date details on locations, contact info, and visa requirements

    Reply
  2. S. Slap

    Thanks for sharing this important resource! It’s always good to have quick access to embassy information and stay updated on any changes, especially when planning travel or assisting loved ones abroad. 👍

    Reply

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