Chile and Honduras Send Ambassadors Back to Israel After Three-Year Break

After three years without diplomatic relations, Chile and Honduras have returned their ambassadors to Israel. President Isaac Herzog received the credentials of the new ambassadors today (Monday). Along with the two Central and South American countries, new ambassadors from Sri Lanka, Georgia, and Germany also presented their credentials to President Herzog.

The two countries renewing diplomatic relations with Israel, which had been cut off by previous pro-Palestinian governments, are Chile and Honduras. Chile sent its new ambassador, Gabriel Alejandro Zaliasnik Schilkrut, while Honduras sent José Luis Núñez Benet. The two were received in an official ceremony at the President's Residence in Jerusalem.

It should be noted that Honduras' new president, Nasry Juan Asfura Zablah, was elected in January of this year, with considerable support from the United States. He leads the National Party of Honduras. His family is from Bethlehem and is of Palestinian descent. Unlike his country's previous government, he was quick to renew relations with Israel.

Chile's president, José Antonio Kast Rist, is the first president from the country's right-wing party to win an election since 1990. He also enjoys the support of U.S. President Donald Trump. While presenting his credentials to Herzog, the new ambassador referred to the October 7 atrocities and expressed support for Israel.

In his meeting with Chile's new ambassador, President Herzog addressed the efforts of the Peace Council: "You rightly mentioned the pogrom and the horrific atrocities of October 7, and where we are three years later. We are still dealing with the pain and trauma, but we are also rebuilding and renewing every day. I believe that now, together with the many efforts of Trump's Peace Council, we can find ways to hold dialogue with our neighbors on every front. There are many positive steps in the Peace Council's efforts under the sponsorship and leadership of President Trump."

"I think the 20-point plan, which was adopted by the UN Security Council, is a very positive step—under the clear commitment that Hamas must be disarmed, and I hope Hamas will be completely disarmed. That is clearly the basis for moving forward to the next stage through the establishment of a technocratic government, which, with the efforts of President Trump, the Peace Council, and Peace Council Director General Nikolay Mladenov, can bring a vision of hope—both to the residents of Gaza and to the people of Israel."