What's happened
Bolivia and Israel are set to renew diplomatic relations after two years, ending a severance linked to Israel's Gaza conflict. The move follows Bolivia's new government under President Paz, aiming to rebuild international ties and improve relations with the US and Israel. The countries plan to reopen embassies soon.
What's behind the headline?
The re-establishment of Bolivia-Israel relations signals a significant shift in regional diplomacy. The new Bolivian government under President Paz is actively working to undo nearly two decades of isolationist policies driven by the MAS party, which aligned Bolivia with anti-Western allies like China and Russia. This rapprochement with Israel, coupled with efforts to improve US relations, indicates a strategic pivot towards economic and diplomatic reintegration.
The timing suggests that Bolivia aims to rebrand itself as a more open and cooperative nation, seeking to attract foreign investment and strengthen regional alliances. The decision to lift visa restrictions and plan for ambassadorial exchanges demonstrates a tangible commitment to rebuilding trust.
However, this move may face regional resistance, especially from countries like Venezuela and Cuba, which continue to support a hardline stance against Israel. The broader geopolitical implications include Bolivia positioning itself as a more moderate actor in Latin America, potentially influencing other countries to reconsider their policies. The next steps will likely involve increased diplomatic visits and economic cooperation, which could reshape Bolivia's international standing and regional influence.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reports that Bolivia and Israel are fully restoring diplomatic relations, with plans to reopen embassies and dispatch officials. The article highlights Bolivia's shift under President Paz, who aims to reestablish trust and strategic cooperation. AP News emphasizes the broader foreign policy strategy of Paz's government to rebuild Bolivia's international prestige and economic ties, including warming relations with the US. The Independent notes the historical context of Bolivia's severance in 2023 over Gaza, and the recent easing of visa restrictions as part of the rapprochement. The New Arab details the signing ceremony in Washington, with Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressing optimism about a new chapter, and underscores the regional and historical significance of the move.
How we got here
Bolivia severed ties with Israel in 2023 over Israel's military actions in Gaza, under the previous left-wing government led by Evo Morales. The current government, elected in October 2025, seeks to shift foreign policy towards re-engagement with the international community, including Israel and the US. The move reflects a broader regional trend of Latin American countries reassessing their diplomatic stances amid changing political landscapes.
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Common question
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Why is Bolivia restoring ties with Israel now?
Bolivia's recent decision to restore diplomatic relations with Israel marks a significant shift in its foreign policy. After severing ties over the Gaza conflict in 2023, Bolivia is now seeking to rebuild its international relationships and explore new economic opportunities. But what prompted this change, and what could it mean for regional and global politics? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding Bolivia's diplomatic shift and its broader implications.
More on these topics
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Bolivia, officially the Plurinational State of Bolivia, is a landlocked country located in western-central South America. The constitutional capital is Sucre, while the seat of government and executive capital is La Paz.
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Luis Alberto Arce Catacora is a Bolivian politician who served as the Minister of Economy and Public Finance under President Evo Morales. He is the presidential candidate of MAS-IPSP in the 2020 Bolivian general election.
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Juan Evo Morales Ayma is a Bolivian politician and former
cocalero activist who served as the President of Bolivia from 2006 to 2019.