Paraguay reopens its embassy in Jerusalem, stirring global diplomatic tensions

Paraguay, a small South American nation, took a significant diplomatic step by reopening its embassy in Jerusalem on December 12, 2024. This decision comes amid an escalating situation in Gaza, where violence and humanitarian crises continue to attract international scrutiny. President Santiago Peña, following in the footsteps of his predecessor, aligns with Israel at a time when the latter faces increasing isolation on the global stage. Paraguay becomes the first country to make such a move since the onset of the latest conflict, following Hamas' attack on October 7, 2023. The reopening of the embassy signifies a deeper commitment between Paraguay and Israel, mirroring moves made by a handful of other nations, including the United States, Honduras, and Guatemala, all of which have recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Notably, this move is praised by Israeli leadership, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who sees it as an affirmation of support amid the ongoing turmoil in the region. The timing is crucial, as Israel is facing significant allegations regarding its military actions and subsequent humanitarian impacts that have resulted in substantial Palestinian casualties. During the inauguration ceremony, Netanyahu highlighted the shared characteristics of both countries, emphasizing the friendship based not only on common interests but also on mutual values and principles. The ceremony was marked by optimism, with Peña extending an invitation for Netanyahu to visit Paraguay, signaling the potential for future collaboration in various sectors, including private enterprise. Despite its relatively small Jewish community compared to Latin American neighbors such as Argentina and Brazil, Paraguay has positioned itself as one of the strongest allies of Israel in the region. The relationship has notably strengthened since the election of President Peña, which marked a shift back to robust diplomatic ties after a period of cooled relations under former President Mario Abdo Benitez, who had closed Paraguay's embassy in Jerusalem in 2022. This decision had led to reciprocal actions from Israel, demonstrating the precarious nature of diplomatic relations in times of conflict.