Israel and Bolivia formally renewed diplomatic relations on Wednesday, which had been severed by La Paz’s left-wing government at the beginning of the Gaza war.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and his Bolivian counterpart, Fernando Aramayo, of the newly elected center-right government, signed the joint declaration at a ceremony in Washington.
“Today, we are ending a long and unnecessary chapter of estrangement between our two nations,” Sa’ar said. “I am pleased to announce that Israel and Bolivia are renewing diplomatic relations.”
Bolivia’s left-wing government of Evo Morales broke diplomatic ties with Israel in 2009 during Operation Cast Lead, which came in response to Hamas rocket attacks. Relations were restored in 2019 after Morales was forced to resign and a right-wing government came to power, but his successor, Luis Arce, cut ties shortly after the Israel-Hamas War began.
President Rodrigo Paz’s government, which took office in November, has said it seeks warmer ties with Israel and the US.
Sa’ar also confirmed that Israelis would no longer need visas to visit Bolivia.
“I know that thousands of Israelis will return to visit this beautiful country every year,” he said.
Sa’ar said an ambassador would be appointed soon, and that plans for economic cooperation in both the public and private sectors would be announced.
“Strengthening relations with Latin American countries is a key objective of my foreign policy for 2026,” he said.
New agreement between Israel and Bolivia
The agreement was established under the “historic opportunity to join in a joint effort to promote a more stable, secure, and prosperous future for the benefit of their two peoples.”
It was based on the will of the people of Bolivia to “rediscover the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Holy Land,” while Israelis “return to explore its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural traditions, and warm hospitality of Bolivia.”
“The State of Israel and the multinational state of Bolivia will resume full diplomatic relations and appoint ambassadors on their behalf as soon as possible,” it said.
Paz’s win marked the country’s first election of a non-left-wing candidate in nearly two decades.
Pesach Benson/TPS contributed to this report.