Since shortly after October 7, 2023, the overarching story of Israel’s international relations has included criticism, boycotts, and isolation. Countries once thought of as allies have recalled ambassadors, canceled arms deals, accused Israel of genocide in Gaza and more.

But lately, Latin America feels like a bizarro world. In country after country, governments are restoring diplomatic relations, having friendly meetings with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, praising Israel and increasing cooperation. Argentine President Javier Milei has traveled to Israel three times and has mused about converting to Judaism. Earlier this month, Colombia became the second country in the world to recognize Israel’s claim to the Golan Heights.

The turn toward Israel is especially notable because not long ago, some of those same Latin American countries were among Israel’s harshest critics. Bolivia cut ties with Israel just weeks after the October 7 attack, and Colombia followed suit six months later. Venezuela, under leaders Hugo Chavez and Nicolas Maduro, was known for its ties with Iran and its opposition to Israel.

But in December 2025, Bolivia renewed those relations with a signing ceremony in Washington, DC, and canceled the visa requirement for Israeli tourists. Sa’ar just attended the inauguration of Colombia’s new president and met his cabinet members. Venezuela and Israel renewed diplomatic ties for the first time since 2009. The same story is unfolding in Chile, Honduras, and elsewhere.

Israel has responded enthusiastically, celebrating the Latino pro-Israel moment and designating 2026 “the year of Latin America.”

Why is this happening now? For Israel, it is an eager embrace of the rare region that is becoming friendlier to Jerusalem. And in Latin America, it is a direct outcome of a wave of right-wing political victories, replacing leftist governments. The global logic of political polarization — a force that has long coursed through Latin America — has dictated that, as left-wing governments have been anti-Israel, their right-wing opponents have taken the opposite approach.

But it’s not that simple. A large part of why these governments have explicitly recommitted to relations with Israel, experts say, is a desire to make nice with their large, powerful neighbor to the north — the Trump White House. Latin America also has a growing number of evangelical Christians, many of whom imbue supporting Israel with theological significance. And in a couple of cases, Israel has offered aid when natural disasters hit, as with the earthquakes in Venezuela and Colombia.

“It’s the first time in a generation that Israel has an entire bloc of friends in one geography,” said Leah Soibel, founder and CEO of Fuente Latina, a pro-Israel Spanish-language media group. “It’s very historic, and incredibly important that it not be an opportunity wasted, because we have so many doors closing elsewhere with regard to Israel.”

She added, “In Latin America, we have doors opening.”

But the factors that have been powering the pro-Israel turn are the same ones that mean it might not last. If the left replaces the right in the next set of Latin American elections, attitudes toward Israel could flip again. The region’s affection for Israel could also sour if a less pro-Israel president is elected in the US just two years from now. And, as in countries across the world, public opinion polls show that, following the war in Gaza, Latin American leaders’ love for Israel is not shared by their constituents.

To avoid a seesaw........

© The Times of Israel