Paraguay Reopens Its Embassy in Jerusalem, Signaling Support for Israel
Paraguay has reopened its embassy in Jerusalem, reaffirming the city as Israel’s capital. This action follows a previous relocation in 2018 and marks Paraguay as the first nation to establish its embassy in Jerusalem after the October 7 Hamas attacks. U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan commented on how recent events are affecting negotiations in the region.
On Thursday, Paraguay officially reopened its embassy in Jerusalem, reaffirming the city as Israel’s capital. This decision marks a significant step for Paraguay, as it becomes the first country to establish an embassy in Jerusalem following the October 7 terrorist attacks attributed to Hamas, which ignited significant conflict in the region. Previously, Paraguay relocated its embassy to Jerusalem in 2018 under President Horacio Cartes, but this decision was reversed shortly thereafter with the change in administration.
The reopening under President Santiago Peña aligns Paraguay with a select group of nations that recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, which includes the United States, Honduras, Guatemala, Kosovo, and Papua New Guinea. In light of this geopolitical shift, U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan commented on the broader context of negotiations in the Middle East. He indicated that recent developments, including a ceasefire in Lebanon, may enhance the chances of concluding peace negotiations in Gaza, effectively indicating a shift in regional dynamics.
Sullivan further emphasized that the circumstances surrounding Hamas’s negotiating stance have changed significantly due to recent military actions in Lebanon that have diminished the capabilities of their ally, Hezbollah. He expressed confidence in the possibility of finalizing a deal moving forward, dismissing notions that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is delaying negotiations until the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. Sullivan remarked on the fundamentally altered landscape of the Middle East, indicating an empowered Israel and diminished Iranian influence due to ongoing conflicts.
The reopening of Paraguay’s embassy in Jerusalem is a politically symbolic act that reinforces the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, a status contested by numerous countries and international entities. Paraguay’s earlier embassy relocation in 2018 was a pivotal moment in its diplomatic relations with Israel, which was reversed under a subsequent government. The recent decision by Paraguay represents a notable shift in its foreign policy and reflects broader trends among nations engaging with Israel amidst evolving geopolitical conditions in the region, particularly post the Hamas-led attacks that catalyzed a renewed war.
The reopening of Paraguay’s embassy in Jerusalem comes at a critical juncture in Middle Eastern politics, symbolizing a reaffirmation of support for Israel’s sovereignty over the contested city. This decision, which makes Paraguay the first country to act in this manner since the outbreak of recent hostilities, underscores a shift in diplomatic stances within the region as countries navigate their relationships with Israel and the implications of regional conflicts. The comments by U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan further contextualize this moment in the larger framework of ongoing negotiations in the Middle East.
Original Source: www.reviewjournal.com
