Wed Dec 10 05:19:05 UTC 2025: News Article:
Bolivia to Restore Diplomatic Ties with Israel in Major Geopolitical Shift
La Paz, Bolivia – December 10, 2025 – Bolivia’s new right-wing government announced Tuesday that it would restore diplomatic relations with Israel, marking a significant shift in the country’s foreign policy. The move signals a dramatic geopolitical realignment in South America, reversing years of strained relations and aligning Bolivia more closely with the United States and Israel.
According to the Bolivian Foreign Ministry, the top diplomat is scheduled to meet with the Israeli counterpart in Washington later on Tuesday to finalize the revival of bilateral ties, which were severed two years ago by the previous left-wing government in protest of Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
The initiative is part of President Rodrigo Paz’s new foreign policy strategy, aimed at enhancing Bolivia’s international standing, fostering economic opportunities, and strengthening alliances that directly benefit the country and its citizens abroad. Paz’s government eased visa restrictions on American and Israeli travelers last month.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar welcomed the decision, noting that he spoke with President Paz after his October 19th election victory to express Israel’s desire for a renewed relationship.
The shift marks a departure from the policies of former President Evo Morales, who cut ties with Israel in 2006 and aligned Bolivia with nations such as Iran, Russia, and Venezuela. While a right-wing interim government briefly restored relations with the U.S. and Israel after Morales’ resignation in 2019, the subsequent MAS party presidency of Luis Arce once again severed ties with Israel in 2023.
The move comes as other left-leaning Latin American countries, including Chile and Colombia, have taken similar actions to protest Israeli policies toward Palestinians.
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