Israel and Honduras Signal Diplomatic Reset as Sa’ar Hosts President-Elect

In a show of strengthening international ties, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar welcomed Honduran President-elect Nasry “Tito” Asfura to Jerusalem on Sunday, pledging to reset and deepen the diplomatic relationship between the two nations.

The visit, made just weeks before Asfura is set to take office on January 27, is already being hailed as a symbolic gesture of renewed trust and alignment between Israel and Honduras. Asfura was accompanied by incoming Foreign Minister María Dolores Agüero and met with top Israeli officials, including President Isaac Herzog.

Sa’ar praised Asfura’s “historic victory” and called the president-elect’s decision to visit Israel before assuming office “deeply meaningful.” “We will do all that we can to assist Honduras,” Sa’ar said, calling the meeting “a major turning point” in bilateral relations.

Israel, he added, stands “together with those freedom-loving nations, like Honduras,” and looks forward to restoring the momentum that had previously characterized the alliance.

The meeting comes after a period of diplomatic tension. Honduras, under the outgoing administration, had recalled its ambassador during the Gaza war an act that strained ties despite its historic decision in 2021 to relocate its embassy to Jerusalem, joining a select group of countries that formally recognize the city as Israel’s capital.

President Herzog echoed Sa’ar’s enthusiasm, hosting Asfura at his residence and affirming the depth of friendship between the two nations. “Honduras has a special meaning in our hearts,” Herzog told the visiting leader. “Israelis have a huge affinity and affection for Honduras, and they want to advance the relationship and develop it to new heights.”

The visit also included a meeting with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, reinforcing the trilateral support for strengthening democratic alliances in Latin America.

With Latin America experiencing waves of political change, Israel views Asfura’s victory as a strategic opportunity to reengage with a key regional partner. Sa’ar emphasized that Israel is ready to open “a new chapter of close cooperation” that spans diplomacy, development, and shared values.

The reaffirmation of ties also includes a commitment by Honduras to receive Israel’s ambassador’s credentials immediately after Asfura’s inauguration a clear signal that the embassy will remain in Jerusalem and that Honduras intends to deepen its engagement with the Jewish state.

In an era of shifting alliances, the meeting between Sa’ar and Asfura highlights Israel’s ability to forge lasting friendships grounded in mutual respect and a shared vision for peace and prosperity.

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