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Strategic Issues
A Setback for Israeli Diplomacy
Experts in Israel believe that the recent actions taken by Bolivia, Chile, and Colombia, such as severing relations with Israel and withdrawing their ambassadors from Tel Aviv, have negatively affected Israeli diplomacy. These actions indicate a decline in legitimacy and support for Israel's war on Gaza. Some even suggest that this could be the start of a larger movement against Israel's narrative.
International Pressure
While the Israeli Foreign Ministry downplayed the consequences of these diplomatic steps, Israeli newspapers unanimously agree that they reflect a loss of legitimacy for Israel and international opposition to the war. This could be the first signs of international pressure to stop the war. Experts speculate that more countries may follow suit, leading to increased diplomatic tension between Israel and other nations, even those with normal relations.
The Palestinian Community in Latin America
The Palestinian community in Latin America has a strong presence and actively supports the Palestinian cause. This community's influence may have played a role in the decisions made by Bolivia, Chile, and Colombia.
Israel's Foreign Ministry Failure
According to political correspondent Itamar Eichner, the Israeli Foreign Ministry's claim of not being surprised by these decisions is contradicted by their efforts to prevent other countries from severing relations. Nicaragua is also expected to announce the severing of relations with Israel. Bolivia's decision came after condemning the killing of Palestinians in Gaza.
A History of Severed Relations
This is not the first time Bolivia has severed relations with Israel. In 2008, during Operation Cast Lead, Bolivia's then-president Evo Morales made a similar announcement. Although relations were renewed in 2019, they remained superficial and lacked substance.
Normalization Challenges
The recent conflict in Gaza has highlighted the importance of finding a solution to the Palestinian issue. Failure to do so threatens the stability of the Middle East and undermines efforts to combat extremist political Islam. It also poses a potential existential threat to Jordan and weakens Israeli diplomacy in the region.
The Impact on Israeli Diplomacy
The war on Gaza has not only affected local dynamics but also has potential regional implications. Israeli foreign policy did not anticipate the possibility of the conflict escalating into a regional war, which could have negative repercussions on Israel's foreign relations worldwide. Understanding the positions and interests of regional players is crucial in navigating these challenges.
Latin America's Divide
Dr. Claudia Kider who knows a lot about the history of Latin America and its relationship with other countries says that when it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Latin American countries have different opinions. They can be divided into two groups:
Left-wing governments
Some Latin American countries have governments that lean towards the left side of the political spectrum. These governments tend to support the Palestinians in the conflict. They believe that the Palestinians should have their own state and be treated fairly.
Right-wing governments
On the other hand, there are Latin American countries with right-wing governments. These governments tend to side with Israel. They think that Israel has the right to defend itself and protect its people.
Why is Latin America Involved?
Dr. Kider says that many Latin American countries have strong Jewish and Palestinian communities. These communities have a lot of influence and can shape the opinions of their governments.
Source: Al Jazeera
