Chile’s Kast to Restore Ambassador to Israel, Ending Two‑Year Freeze

Context President José Antonio Kast announced the move during a side meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog at Costa Rica’s inauguration ceremony. The decision reverses the policy of former President Gabriel Boric, who had refused Israeli credentials and backed a UN case against Israel. Chile hosts more than 350,000 Palestinian Arabs, the largest diaspora outside the Middle East, a demographic that has long shaped its foreign policy.

Key Facts - Kast told Herzog he will dispatch Chile’s ambassador to Israel within the coming weeks, ending the diplomatic stalemate that began in 2022. - Herzog described the meeting as “excellent,” noting discussions on restoring bilateral ties to their former level for mutual benefit. - The two leaders highlighted cooperation in agriculture, healthcare, artificial intelligence and technology as priority sectors. - Kast reaffirmed his government’s stance against terrorism and antisemitism, despite domestic criticism of his Israeli outreach. - Under Boric, Chile joined a coalition supporting South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, reflecting a sharp departure from the current approach.

What It Means Re‑engaging diplomatically opens channels for trade, research and security collaboration. Israeli firms could tap Chile’s agricultural sector, while Chilean tech startups may gain access to Israeli AI expertise. The move also signals a broader shift in Latin American politics, where right‑leaning governments are reassessing ties with Israel after years of left‑ist criticism. Domestic reactions will test Kast’s ability to balance the sizable Palestinian community’s concerns with his pro‑technology agenda.

Looking Ahead Watch for the ambassador’s appointment, subsequent trade agreements, and how Chile’s Palestinian diaspora responds to the renewed Israel‑Chile partnership.