Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, during his visit to Paraguay’s parliament, pointed fingers at the socialist regime in Venezuela, led by Nicolás Maduro, claiming it serves as a primary “nexus” for the activities of Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis in South America.
On this whirlwind trip across South America, Saar is set to visit Argentina next, where he will meet with President Javier Milei. His time in Paraguay included discussions with conservative President Santiago Peña and other officials.
Saar highlighted Paraguay as a close ally of Israel, with ties rooted in shared values and interests. He appreciated Paraguay’s classification of Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) as terrorist entities.
Additionally, Saar and Paraguayan Defense Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano signed a memorandum aimed at enhancing Paraguay’s law enforcement capabilities against organized crime. The Paraguayan Defense Minister indicated that this agreement would be implemented “immediately.”
During his Congressional visit, Saar was received by Senator Basilio Nuñez, who described the meeting as not merely ceremonial but as a revitalization of their historical friendship.
While addressing the Paraguayan parliament, Saar emphasized that the Venezuelan regime is integral to the ongoing presence of terror groups in the region, allowing them to operate freely. He raised concerns over Venezuela’s association with these organizations, suggesting it has become a significant center for drug trafficking and terrorist expansion.
“In South America, a narco-terrorism alliance has formed with the Middle East. Venezuela stands at its core,” said Saar, adding that Maduro’s actions have led to a refugee crisis and instability, serving as a backdrop for terrorist activities.
Saar noted Maduro’s public assertions about Venezuela aligning with Iran’s “axis of resistance,” which he claims includes countries like Lebanon, Gaza, and Yemen. He cautioned that these so-called terror states extend their reach beyond their borders into regions like Africa and Latin America.
Saar remarked, “Today, these terrorist states no longer limit their threats to their own territories; they pose risks to the wider world.”
He also referred to a recent Israeli military operation resulting in the death of a top Hezbollah commander, arguing that it didn’t infringe upon Lebanon’s sovereignty and suggesting that the world is better off without him. This claim comes amid ongoing protests from the Lebanese government over Israeli actions in southern Lebanon.
In response, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Iván Gil dismissed Saar’s allegations, labeling him a “war criminal” and a “genocidal maniac,” urging him to focus on his own government’s actions against the Palestinian people rather than mentioning Venezuela.
Gil insisted that the Maduro government is uninterested in Saar’s comments and emphasized that they are committed to fighting for sovereignty and human rights, viewing Israeli actions as barbaric.
While in Argentina, Saar is expected to participate in memorial events honoring victims of Hezbollah attacks in Buenos Aires during the 1990s. His schedule includes speaking at an event commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Delegation of Argentine Jewish Associations (DAIA), alongside Argentine officials and members of the Jewish community.
