Bolivia Restores Diplomatic Ties with Israel

Bolivia’s new government, led by President Rodrigo Paz, announced on Tuesday that it has reinstated diplomatic relations with Israel. This development marks the end of a diplomatic hiatus lasting two years, a break initiated by former President Luis Arce’s government, which had close ties with Iran. This announcement came soon after the October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas, amidst significant humanitarian concerns in Gaza.

President Paz was inaugurated over the weekend, signaling the end of nearly two decades of leadership by the Socialist Movement party. In his inaugural address, he emphasized a commitment to a more open and connected Bolivia, stating, “We will never again have an isolated Bolivia ruled by a failed ideology, much less a Bolivia that has turned its back on the world.”

Paz’s administration aims to shift Bolivia away from its previous isolationist stance, particularly in regards to the United States and Western nations, and to reduce the influence that regimes like Iran have had in the country under the previous socialist leadership.

Shortly after taking office, Paz met with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, reestablishing diplomatic ties with the United States. This came after the dismantling of the previous government’s strained relations, which had been marred by unverified accusations against the US. The US has expressed a willingness to collaborate with Bolivia’s new leadership to curb Iranian presence in the nation.

The Israeli government communicated this news through its official channels, with Foreign Ministry Director Eden Bartal attending Paz’s inauguration. Bartal described this moment as “an exciting new era for Bolivia, for Israeli-Bolivian relations, and for the free world.”

Historically, Bolivia and Israel established their diplomatic relationship in 1950. The Israeli Foreign Ministry reminded the public of this long-standing friendship, despite occasional differences that have arisen over the years.

In 2009, Bolivia severed ties with Israel during Evo Morales’ presidency, prompted by accusations of “genocide” related to military actions in Gaza. Morales’ unilateral decision disrupted nearly six decades of relations between the two nations.

Morales was known for manipulating legal loopholes to extend his presidency until 2019, when he resigned amid accusations of electoral fraud that ignited protests. He fled the country along with his cabinet, allowing conservative senator Jeanine Áñez to take over as interim president, who restored ties with Israel before facing her own legal challenges and imprisonment under disputed circumstances.

Bolivia’s relations with Israel remained strained until early November 2023 when Morales’ successor, Luis Arce, aligned with leftist leaders in the region in cutting ties with Israel, accusing it of “genocide” in response to its military actions against Hamas following the recent attacks. Notably, Arce did not publicly condemn Hamas’ actions during this period, even as they resulted in significant casualties and hostage situations.