At a conservative convention in Asunción, Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña pledged that his nation will assist Israel “at any value.”
He described the stance as a part of a protection of “Western values,” aligning Paraguay with Argentina’s Javier Milei, Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, and U.S. conservatives near Donald Trump.
Peña careworn that his international coverage rests on “rules, not non permanent pursuits,” citing household and spiritual values as central to Paraguay’s identification. His remarks illustrate a widening break up in Latin America over Israel and Gaza.
On one facet are governments equivalent to Paraguay, Argentina, and Guatemala, the place conservative and evangelical affect drives assist for Israel’s proper to defend itself.
These nations view ties with Israel as strengthening safety and aligning with the United States. On the opposite facet, Brazil underneath President Lula, Colombia underneath Gustavo Petro, Chile underneath Gabriel Boric, and Bolivia have strongly criticized Israel’s operations in Gaza.
They level to civilian casualties and humanitarian legislation, with Chile withdrawing its navy attachés from Tel Aviv and Colombia suspending relations totally.
Historical ties additionally matter: Chile hosts one of many world’s largest Palestinian diasporas, and leftist traditions throughout the area emphasize resistance to U.S. international coverage.
Latin America’s Israel Divide Mirrors Domestic Politics
The divide is greater than symbolic. It shapes Latin America’s positions within the United Nations, its commerce with the Middle East, and its broader geopolitical identification.
For Paraguay, open alignment with Israel and Milei’s Argentina indicators a alternative for the Western conservative camp. For Brazil, Colombia, and Chile, distance from Israel is framed as a protection of sovereignty and worldwide legislation.
Behind the scenes, these positions are deeply home. Right-leaning leaders bolster assist amongst conservative and spiritual bases by embracing Israel.
Left-leaning leaders spotlight independence and human rights. For outsiders, the lesson is obvious: Latin America’s stance on Israel displays not simply international battle, however its personal political battles at dwelling.
