Latin America Embraces Israel in Shifting Geopolitical Landscape

A significant realignment is underway in Latin American foreign policy, as several nations, often led by conservative governments with historical ties to the United States, are actively strengthening their diplomatic and economic relationships with Israel. This pivot, which gained momentum during the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump, reflects a complex interplay of ideological affinity, economic interests, security concerns, and strategic aspirations to align with Washington. These developments mark a departure from previous periods of strained relations and underscore a broader rightward shift in parts of the region.

The burgeoning ties manifest in various forms, from the symbolic relocation of embassies to Jerusalem to robust cooperation in trade, technology, and security. This evolving dynamic signals a new chapter in Israel's engagement with the Western Hemisphere, cultivating alliances with countries that increasingly see shared values and mutual benefits in deeper bilateral partnerships.

A Foundation of Enduring Friendship: Guatemala Leads the Way

Guatemala stands out as a long-standing and steadfast ally of Israel, with a relationship rooted in historical solidarity. The Central American nation was among the first to vote in favor of Israel's creation in the United Nations Resolution 181 in 1947. This enduring friendship was visibly reinforced in May 2018 when Guatemala became the second country, following the United States, to relocate its embassy to Jerusalem, recognizing the city as Israel's capital. This move solidified a bond that extends beyond diplomatic gestures, encompassing robust security and trade ties for decades.

The practical aspects of this partnership are evident in ongoing development projects in education, health, agriculture, and public security. Economic cooperation was further cemented with the entry into force of a Free Trade Agreement between Israel and Guatemala in March 2024, designed to remove tariffs, streamline regulatory processes, and incentivize Israeli investment in the Guatemalan market. The strong support for Israel within Guatemala is also reflected in the existence of numerous cities with streets named "Jerusalem, Capital of Israel," and the formation of a Guatemala-Israel Parliamentary Friendship League comprising over 80 deputies from various political organizations. This deep connection positions Guatemala as a crucial model for Israel's expanded engagement in Latin America.

Bolsonaro's Brazil and the Evangelical Connection

Under the presidency of Jair Bolsonaro from 2019 to 2022, Brazil experienced a dramatic shift toward closer relations with Israel. Bolsonaro, who expressed profound admiration for Israel and considered Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "brother," made strengthening these ties a cornerstone of his foreign policy. This approach resonated strongly with his significant evangelical Christian base, which often holds strong theological and cultural affinities for Israel.

During Bolsonaro's tenure, Brazil opened a trade office in Jerusalem in December 2019 and reportedly considered moving its embassy from Tel Aviv, aligning with the U.S. and Guatemala's actions. While Brazil did not ultimately move its embassy, the heightened diplomatic engagement and the establishment of the Jerusalem trade office underscored a clear pro-Israel stance during his administration. However, the subsequent election of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has introduced a more critical and "balanced" approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, contrasting sharply with his predecessor's policies.

Colombia's Resurgent Alliance and Strategic Recognition

Colombia's relationship with Israel has seen notable fluctuations, but a recent resurgence of ties under new leadership underscores the regional trend. During President Iván Duque's administration (2018-2022), Colombia declared itself Israel's "number one ally" in Latin America, forging a robust partnership built on shared concerns regarding terrorism and a desire for technological collaboration. This period saw the signing of a free trade agreement in 2020 and the opening of a Colombian innovation office in Jerusalem in November 2021, signifying a commitment to deepening economic and technological cooperation. President Duque emphasized intelligence cooperation against groups like Hezbollah, highlighting a shared security agenda.

Following a period of strained relations under leftist President Gustavo Petro, who had severed diplomatic ties with Israel over the Gaza conflict, the newly elected right-wing President Abelardo de la Espriella has swiftly moved to repair and strengthen the alliance. Just days after his inauguration, President de la Espriella announced Colombia's recognition of Israel's claim of sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights, becoming only the second country to do so after the Trump administration's similar recognition in 2019. This significant diplomatic gesture, along with intentions to open an embassy in Jerusalem, signals a comprehensive renewal of ties, including ramping up security coordination and resuming coal exports. The new administration views Israel as a "friend and a determined ally in the fight against terrorism and organized crime," reflecting a priority on security and stability.

Honduras: Embassy Relocation and Allegations of Influence

Honduras has also demonstrated a clear alignment with Israel. Under former President Juan Orlando Hernandez, Honduras officially inaugurated its embassy in Jerusalem in June 2021, upgrading a trade office initially opened in 2019. This move was consistent with the broader regional trend of conservative governments seeking to bolster relations with Israel and, by extension, with the United States.

Recent investigative reports, dubbed "Hondurasgate," have, however, raised questions about alleged external influence in Honduran politics. These reports suggest that Israeli interests, potentially alongside U.S. backing, played a role in securing a presidential pardon for Hernandez from former President Donald Trump and in supporting pro-Israel political figures in the country. The allegations, based on leaked recordings, claim that financial and diplomatic support from Israel was instrumental in political maneuvers aimed at stabilizing specific political factions and advancing certain agendas, including the potential establishment of U.S. military and technological outposts in Honduras. While these allegations remain under scrutiny, they highlight the complex geopolitical undercurrents influencing these relationships.

The Broader Geopolitical Context and Motivations

The increasing rapprochement between Latin American nations and Israel is part of a larger geopolitical strategy, often intertwined with the desire to cultivate favor with the United States, particularly during the Trump presidency. Latin America analysts observe that this pivot often functions as a way for regional leaders to signal alignment with Washington, especially among a new generation of conservative leaders.

Beyond strategic alignment with the U.S., several factors drive this trend:

• Evangelical Support: The rise of evangelical Christianity in countries like Brazil, Honduras, and Guatemala plays a crucial role. Many evangelical communities embrace Christian Zionism, fostering strong political and cultural support for Israel that influences government policy.
• Shared Values and Ideologies: Conservative governments in Latin America often find ideological common ground with Israel, leading to greater diplomatic affinity.
• Security Cooperation: Israel's expertise in security, counter-terrorism, and military technology is highly valued. Countries like Colombia have long benefited from Israeli training and intelligence in combating internal conflicts and transnational criminal organizations.
• Economic Opportunities: Access to Israeli innovation, technology, and investment, as well as free trade agreements, offers tangible economic benefits that motivate these partnerships.

In conclusion, the trend of Latin American nations, particularly those with conservative leadership, embracing closer ties with Israel reflects a multifaceted geopolitical calculus. While individual motivations vary by country, the overarching narrative points to a strategic alignment rooted in shared ideological perspectives, economic ambitions, security concerns, and a desire to curry favor with powerful international allies. This evolving landscape not only reshapes diplomatic relations in the region but also positions Israel more prominently within the Western Hemisphere.