In a dramatic reversal of regional dynamics, Latin American countries are aligning with Israel at an unprecedented pace, restoring diplomatic relations, deepening security cooperation, and recalibrating their stances on the Middle East. This shift, propelled by the new Monroe Doctrine articulated by the Trump administration, presents a strategic opening for Israel to cement long-term partnerships beyond the current political momentum.
Venezuela and Bolivia: Breaking with the Past
Venezuela, once Iran's closest ally in South America, has agreed to re-establish consular relations with Israel after a 17-year rupture. The change follows the departure of Nicolas Maduro, accused of narco-trafficking, and includes the removal of highly enriched uranium, the capture of a Hezbollah operative, and the arrival of Israeli Defense Forces to assist after last June's twin earthquakes.
Bolivia, after two decades of socialist governance, has restored ties with Israel, scrapped a military cooperation agreement with Iran, and suspended border security and drone supply exchanges. The new government also withdrew from the genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and lifted visa requirements for Israeli citizens.
Colombia and Honduras: Embassy Shifts and Security Pacts
Colombia's President Abelardo de la Espriella, after defeating the left, announced the restoration of relations, the relocation of its embassy to Jerusalem, withdrawal from the genocide case, and recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Honduras, which a year ago recalled its ambassador and joined the ICJ case, has now returned its envoy to Jerusalem, dropped the lawsuit, and signed a defense and security agreement with Israel.
Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, and Peru: Economic and Security Ties
Costa Rica has signed a free trade agreement with Israel, moved its embassy to Jerusalem, and designated Iran's proxy forces—Hezbollah, Hamas, and Ansar Allah (the Houthis)—as terrorist organizations, along with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The Dominican Republic followed suit in May, blacklisting Hezbollah and the IRGC and relaunching its Chamber of Commerce with Israel. Peru has bolstered security ties, with its army acquiring Israeli-made PULS rocket launchers for an estimated $60 million.
Chile, Argentina, and Ecuador: Regional Consolidation
Chile, after a three-year ambassadorial gap, has renewed diplomatic engagement under President José Antonio Kast, exploring cooperation in science, technology, and aerospace. Argentina expelled Iran's top diplomat, Mohsen Soltani, declared the IRGC a terrorist organization, and signed the Isaac Accords. Ecuador has also designated Hamas, Hezbollah, and the IRGC as terrorist groups, reporting the capture of an alleged Hezbollah member and the deportation of an Iranian national.
This wave of alignment reflects the broader geopolitical recalibration driven by the new Monroe Doctrine, which has reshaped U.S. policy toward the region. The administration's aggressive foreign policy stance has emboldened regional leaders to distance themselves from Tehran and embrace closer ties with Washington's allies.
However, as Trump's Iran strategy faces criticism, the durability of these shifts remains uncertain. The honeymoon period could fade as political winds change, but Israel's unique capabilities in water, agriculture, and security offer a foundation for lasting partnerships. The challenge is to move beyond symbolic gestures and institutionalize cooperation before the window closes.
Arturo McFields, a former Nicaraguan ambassador to the Organization of American States, calls this a "use-it-or-lose-it moment" for Israel. With Latin America ripe for collaboration, the next steps will determine whether this era yields enduring alliances or evaporates with the next election cycle.
