Paraguay has reopened its embassy in Jerusalem, affirming its recognition of the city as Israel’s capital. This decision marks a return to a pro-Israel stance under President Santiago Peña, making Paraguay the first country to do so since the escalation of conflict following the October 7 attacks. Paraguay now joins a small group of nations with embassies in Jerusalem.
On Thursday, Paraguay officially reopened its embassy in Jerusalem, reaffirming its recognition of the city as the capital of Israel. This move positions Paraguay alongside a select group of nations, including the United States and Guatemala, that have established their embassies in Jerusalem. The original decision to relocate the embassy was made in 2018 by former President Horacio Cartes, but was later reversed by the subsequent administration. With President Santiago Peña’s recent action, Paraguay becomes the first country to take such a step since the escalation of conflict following the Hamas-led attack on October 7 of the previous year.
The embassy relocation signifies Paraguay’s diplomatic support for Israel amidst complex geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly following recent hostilities involving Hamas. Historically, Paraguay’s diplomatic stance shifted with changes in government leadership, notably swinging from a pro-Israel posture under Cartes to a more neutral stance until Peña’s recent decision. Recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital has become an increasingly contentious issue in international diplomacy, often viewed through the lens of the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Paraguay’s reopening of its embassy in Jerusalem not only reinforces its commitment to Israel but also reflects a significant moment in international relations in the context of recent regional conflicts. This strategic move aligns Paraguay with other nations that have acknowledged Jerusalem’s status, highlighting the shifting dynamics of diplomacy in the Middle East. As negotiations surrounding regional peace continue, Paraguay’s action could influence broader geopolitical conversations.
Original Source: www.reviewjournal.com
