Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the closure of Israel’s embassy in Paraguay, hours after the Latin American nation’s new government announced it would move its embassy back to Tel Aviv from Jerusalem.
The surprising move is contrary to the push started by the United States to move embassies to Jerusalem in recognition of it as the capital of the Israeli state.
Most countries do not recognise Israeli sovereignty over the entire city and say its final status should be set in peace talks.
Paraguay’s foreign minister called Israel’s reaction “disproportionate”. Paraguay President Mario Abdo defended his decision as part of an effort to support “broad, lasting and just peace” among Israelis and Palestinians.
Read the full article by Ali Sawafta & Daniela Desantis at the Sydney Morning Herald.