Latin America
The possible nixing of a friendly soccer match between the Israeli national team, led by Tel Ben Haim, and the Argentinian national team, headed by Lionel Messi, has been averted.
“Guatemala was with us at the beginning and Guatemala is with us today, and we welcome the opening of the embassy in Jerusalem,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Throughout her public life, the conservative firebrand has been an outspoken supporter of Israel and as visited numerous times to show solidarity. She did so again for the U.S. embassy opening.
Anti-Semitism is becoming more pervasive in a country with a sizable Palestinian population, with the government slow to react to growing social concerns.
In interview with Israel Hayom editor-in-chief Boaz Bismuth, Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales says his people believe that bringing their embassy back to Jerusalem “is the right step and the right thing to do.”
The statement came as Paraguay said it would be moving its embassy to Jerusalem later this month on the heels of a similar move by Guatemala.
On Sunday, May 13, Israel’s Foreign Ministry will host a festive event celebrating the moves of the American and Guatemalan embassies.
The central South American nation joins the United States, Honduras and Guatemala in committing to the move.
“It isn’t popular, but I think that it’s the right thing,” said Miloš Zeman, president of the Czech Republic. “In any event, allow me to finish with one sentence: ‘Next year in Jerusalem!’ ”
“Israel congratulates the National Congress of Honduras for passing with an overwhelming majority a resolution in favor of opening an Embassy in Jerusalem,” Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said on Twitter.
Despite being a small, largely impoverished Central American country, Guatemala has long represented an important partner for Israel.
Juan Orlando Hernández will be the first foreign head of state to participate in the torch-lighting ceremony at Israel’s annual Independence Day celebration.
