Israeli Diplomacy Doing Well Despite War

September 9, 2024

by: Itamar Eichner ~ Ynetnews

Israeli diplomatic relations are in good shape after months of war, although some envoys called home have not returned to their posts.

Columbia remains the only country to downgrade its relationship with Israel from embassy to a consular level, and Jerusalem’s diplomatic relations continue behind the scenes.

In fact, compared to previous wars, Israel’s diplomatic situation is better. Several countries are standing by Israel, including the US, Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Argentina.

Spain, Norway and Ireland recognized a Palestinian state in May. The following day, Foreign Minister Israel Katz ordered the recall of the three ambassadors for consultations as a diplomatic protest and to send a sharp message. Although no ambassadors have been present there in the past months, diplomacy continued. The ties with the three nations were tense before the war. The Foreign Ministry said Israel had no intention of severing relations and closing embassies and is waiting for better days to send its diplomats back.

Israel’s ambassador to Turkey was recalled after October 7 due to security reasons. Since then, only a diplomatic team has been sent to Turkey. The Turks recalled their ambassador to Israel for consultations, and he has been stationed in Ankara since. Both ambassadors continue to manage relations behind the scenes and maintain contact.

Colombia has taken the harshest action against Israel. President Gustavo Petro, a former terrorist and extremist, severed relations with Israel. The ban isn’t complete, as Colombia maintains consular relations with Jerusalem.

Bolivia severed relations with Israel, but no ambassadors had been appointed.

Chile’s president recalled his country’s ambassador to Israel. The Israeli ambassador remained in Chile and continues to work as usual.

Brazilian President Lula da Silva decided to recall his country’s ambassador to Israel. The move took place hours after Katz reprimanded the ambassador, following Lula’s comparison of Israel’s actions to those of Hitler and the Nazis. Israel’s ambassador to Brazil remained in Brasília. The embassy and consulate continue to work with state governors and parliament, but their contact with Lula’s administration has been blocked.

Honduras recalled its ambassador. Israel has an ambassador in Honduras, and the embassy is operational.

Israel recalled its ambassador to South Africa for consultations following statements supporting Hamas and severe condemnations, as well as a lawsuit against the country at the UN’s International Court of Justice for alleged “genocide.” South Africa, which didn’t have an ambassador in Israel previously, recalled its diplomats. Relations between the countries are very cold.

Since the outbreak of the war, Israel has recalled its ambassadors and diplomats from embassies in Jordan, Egypt, Morocco and Bahrain for security reasons. Israel’s ambassador to the United Arab Emirates continued working as usual. Since October 7, most embassies in Arab countries have returned to normal operation under strict security guidelines.

Posted on September 9, 2024

Source: Excerpt from an article by Itamar Eichner, Ynetnews

Photo Credit: hxdbzxy/shutterstock.com