Paraguay has reopened its embassy in Jerusalem, a move that marks a diplomatic win for Israel as it faces increasing international isolation because of the Gaza war. It's a controversial move, putting Paraguay among a handful of countries to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
Paraguay ’s President Santiago Pena, left, shakes hands with Israel i Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem , Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. JERUSALEM — The small South American nation of Paraguay reopened its embassy in Jerusalem on Thursday, becoming the latest of just a small handful of countries to recognize the bitterly contested city as Israel ’s capital.
Paraguay first relocated its embassy to Jerusalem in 2018 under the pro-Israel government of then-President Horacio Cartes but reversed its decision months later when a new administration came to power., a protégé of Cartes who has followed in his mentor’s footsteps, to reopen the Jerusalem embassy makes Paraguay the first country to make the move since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack last year triggered the war.It’s also a controversial move.
“Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. It will always be the capital of Israel,” Netanyahu said. “That will never change.”The world’s top war-crimes court issued arrest warrants last month for Netanyahu and his former defense minister, accusing them ofduring the war in Gaza. The Israeli offensive has so far killed over 44,800 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry which does not say how many are combatants.
Israel’s top diplomat, Saar, said Israel and Paraguay shared a “friendship based not only on interests but also values and principles.” He said he would soon visit Asunción, Paraguay’s capital, with a delegation from the Israeli private sector. He and Paraguayan Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano signed a series of bilateral agreements at the ceremony.“This is very important for you. We recognize that this is a very strong statement,” Peña said.
Benjamin Netanyahu Israel Government Israel Donald Trump Jerusalem Marco Rubio International Agreements War And Unrest General News Middle East Humanitarian Crises Mario Abdo Benitez Politics Horacio Cartes World News
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Paraguay reopens its embassy in Jerusalem, handing Israel a rare diplomatic victoryParaguay has reopened its embassy in Jerusalem, a move that marks a diplomatic win for Israel as it faces increasing international isolation because of the Gaza war.
Read more »
Paraguay reopens its embassy in Jerusalem, handing Israel a rare diplomatic victoryParaguay has reopened its embassy in Jerusalem, a move that marks a diplomatic win for Israel as it faces increasing international isolation because of the Gaza war.
Read more »
Biden meets with Israel's Herzog as U.S. presses Israel for more aid to GazaIsrael faces a Wednesday deadline to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Read more »
Amnesty International accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza, which Israel strongly deniesAmnesty International says Israel has sought to deliberately destroy Palestinians in its war with Hamas, by mounting deadly attacks, demolishing vital infrastructure and preventing aid deliveries.
Read more »
Amnesty International accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza, which Israel strongly deniesAmnesty International says Israel has sought to deliberately destroy Palestinians in its war with Hamas, by mounting deadly attacks, demolishing vital infrastructure and preventing aid deliveries.
Read more »
'Gaza's fate will haunt the world': UN to vote again on Gaza truceThe draft resolution urges an 'immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire' in Palestine's Gaza, along with the release of all hostages.
Read more »