Latin American governments turn toward Israel as the right takes power

Israel's foreign minister, Gideon Saar, announced on Oct 8 that Colombia will move its embassy to Jerusalem. President Abelardo de la Espriella, in office since August, is reversing his predecessor Gustavo Petro, who cut ties over the war in Gaza.

Recent shifts toward Israel

• Argentina: Javier Milei pledged an embassy move
• Bolivia: Rodrigo Paz reversed his predecessor
• Chile: José Antonio Kast named an ambassador
• Honduras: Nasry Asfura named an ambassador
• Venezuela: consular relations to resume

Colombia is one of several countries where a new government has restored or deepened ties with Israel.

It's not one factor or the other, but a convergence.

— Marta Tawil Kuri, College of Mexico

Experts point to new leaders signalling alignment with US President Donald Trump, and to lobbying by evangelical groups and organizations backed by the Israeli government.

What's next

Saar said Brazil might follow, where President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, a supporter of the Palestinians, faces right-wing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro in a run-off. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Bolsonaro a friend in a video message at his campaign launch.