Israeli FM lauds Ecuador over IRCG, Hamas and Hezbollah terror listing

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar on Tuesday praised Ecuador for designating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hamas and Hezbollah terror organizations, and called on additional countries in Latin America to follow suit.

“Ecuador’s courageous step sends a clear message against Iran’s terror network and strengthens global security,” Sa’ar wrote in a post on X expressing his thanks to Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa and Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld.

The move, which comes amid burgeoning bilateral ties between Israel and Ecuador, was also commended by the New York-based American Jewish Committee.

“The Iranian regime and its terror proxies have established a troubling foothold in Latin America, threatening Jewish communities and regional security,” the American Jewish organization wrote on X. “Ecuador joins a growing list of Latin American nations taking action against these threats, but more countries must follow suit to fully root out the influence of these terror groups across the Hemisphere.”

The Ecuadorian National Assembly recently announced the launch of an Israel Allies Caucus, strengthening ties with the Jewish state at a time of stark foreign policy divisions in South America.

Israel and Ecuador established diplomatic ties in 1950 and have maintained strong ties over the last 75 years.

Noboa visited Israel in May when he opened an innovation center in Jerusalem and met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog.

Ecuador’s leader subsequently said that Israel and the United Arab Emirates will provide intelligence to aid in the South American country’s war on drug cartels.