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Guatemala and Israel's Emerging Strong Relations

2,941 views · Published 19 December 2018 · 6:52 · Indexed 25 September 2026

Channel: i24NEWS English · 2018 · News & Politics

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THE RUNDOWN | Guatemala has stood at Israel's side as of late, including moving its embassy to Jerusalem. What does this mean for the other countries in Central and South America? Will they follow suit? Guatemala's Ambassador to Israel Mario Adolfo Bucaro Flores discusses with hosts Nurit Ben and Calev Ben-David.

Story:

Guatemala inaugurated its Israel embassy in Jerusalem on May 16, becoming the first country to follow in the footsteps of the United States' deeply controversial move that was accompanied by deadly violence on the Gaza border.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales were among officials who attended a ceremony inaugurating the new embassy at an office park in the disputed city, which is at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The US and Guatemalan moves break with decades of international consensus. US ambassador to Israel David Friedman also attended Wednesday's ceremony.

So far, the only other nation with immediate plans to open an Israel embassy in Jerusalem is Australia, on a date to be determined.

The Israeli premier spoke of Guatemala's early recognition of the state of Israel after its creation in 1948 and said he would visit the country of 16 million on his next visit to Latin America.

'I look forward to assessing with you the practical ways... that we can advance this friendship and this alliance,' Netanyahu said.

'But today, I just want to say how delighted we are to have you.'

Morales called it a 'transcendental moment for future generations' who will 'remember that friendly countries took courageous decisions in favor of Israel and we do this because you have a special place in our hearts.'

The Guatemalan government has positioned itself alongside Israel and its war crimes, defying international law and supporting the military occupation and the illegal annexation of Jerusalem. 

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