Chilean President José Antonio Kast told Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Friday that he intends to return Chile’s ambassador to Israel within a few weeks, a step that will mark a significant change in relations between the two countries.
Herzog met with Kast during the inauguration ceremony of Costa Rica’s President, Laura Fernández Delgado.
It was Herzog’s first diplomatic meeting with world leaders attending the ceremony.
Herzog and Kast discussed strengthening relations between Israel and Chile, as well as possibly restoring cooperation to its previous state, with joint efforts in agriculture, health, artificial intelligence, and technology.
Kast explained that he faced demands from the Chilean population to address the “Palestinian issue,” clarifying that he instead intends to focus on Israel-Chile diplomatic relations.
He added that his government is currently working against terrorism and antisemitism in Chile.
Chile’s moves protested ‘violations’ of humanitarian law
The Chilean ambassador to Israel was recalled in October 2023 by former President Gabriel Boric following the onset of the war with Gaza. Chile had announced that the move was meant to protest “violations of international humanitarian law.”
Boric’s government later escalated actions against Israel when military and embassy attaches were also removed.
Herzog said following the meeting that the discussion was “for the benefit of both of our countries.”
Honduran President Nasry Asfura also mentioned that he intends to return Honduras’ ambassador to Israel, who had left the country at the beginning of the war. Asfura discussed security and health issues with Herzog, promising to work cooperatively on them.
