Netanyahu welcomes Paraguayan president to Jerusalem for embassy reopening

In a special Knesset session on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the president of Paraguay, Santiago Peña, to Jerusalem, for the reopening of the Paraguayan embassy this week.

Netanyahu praised the South American leader for his promise to stand with Israel no matter the cost.

“Your important visit, Mr. President, in the midst of this existential war that we are engaged in on seven fronts against those who seek to destroy us, (and it is possible that we potentially face yet another front), is deserving of special appreciation. During the war, we were deeply moved when we heard you say: ‘We will always stand by Israel, regardless of the cost. Because this is the right side of history.’”

“Indeed, it is not always easy to take a moral stance,” the prime minister continued. “There are many who turn their backs. There are many who prefer to remain silent…Yet you, Santiago – as a courageous leader, characterized by integrity, determination and initiative – you decided not to stand aside. History will remember those who stood by Israel in its trying times. We will remember and the world will remember, for our war is also the war of all free peoples.”

In 2018, following the decision by then-U.S. President Donald Trump to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, Paraguay followed suit by opening its own embassy in the city. However, the decision was reversed just five months later by incoming president, Mario Abdo Benítez.

“At some point, there was a certain holdup,” Netanyahu said. “Things took a different turn, but together we also overcame these obstacles. Not long ago, we reopened the Israeli embassy in Asunción, and tomorrow we will reopen the Paraguayan embassy in Jerusalem.”

Peña explained that the decision to reopen the embassy in Jerusalem was driven by the belief that the city is “the heart of the Jewish people and, therefore, was Israel’s eternal capital.”

Netanyahu said the step “recognizes a historical truth, that Jerusalem has been the capital of the people of Israel, and of them alone, for over 3,000 years since King David declared it so.”

“Next year in a rebuilt Jerusalem” is what Jews said in exile in Babylon, that’s what they said in Yemen, that’s what they said in Poland and that’s what they also said in Paraguay.”

Netanyahu noted the long-standing friendship between Paraguay and Israel, going back decades, as well as Paraguay’s special assistance during the Holocaust and, later, its support of an independent Jewish state.

“We will always cherish the fact that Paraguay supported the establishment of the Jewish state in 1947…it is worth mentioning as well that Paraguayan passports helped rescue many hundreds, even thousands of Jews from the clutches of Nazi Germany. I can tell you that among them were family members of my late father-in-law, Shmuel Ben-Artzi, that fled to Paraguay, were granted asylum and established themselves there…We remember this,” Netanyahu stated.

Netanyahu highlighted the similarities between the two nations and their history, even sharing the same Independence Day.

“Although thousands of kilometers separate Israel and Paraguay, our two peoples share a bond with one another…For centuries, Paraguay was ruled by others. I learned from you, and also from things that I read about, of the terrible hardships that the people of Paraguay went through… You succeeded in preserving a unique, authentic culture and also achieving your independence.”

Netanyahu commended Peña for his strong leadership of Paraguay and diplomatic ties with Israel.

“Santiago, I have to tell you, we all admire, and I admire, the energy and talent that you have brought with you to the presidency of Paraguay…With your visit, we will add important building layers to the developing ties between Paraguay and Israel. We want, and we can, achieve great things together: In security, in the economy, in trade, in science, in technology, in energy, in agriculture, even in tourism, in many areas.”

Speaking about Israel’s battle on multiple fronts in the region, the prime minister said, “Israel is planted in the heart of the Middle East. It is a wild, stormy and turbulent area… we cannot rest from our task for even a single moment. We are faced with bloodthirsty, zealous, barbaric enemies.

He also pointed to the important role freedom and democracy have in Israel, stating: “Thanks to a democratic Israel, we guarantee, we and no one else, freedom of worship in Jerusalem for believers of different faiths. If we were not here, it would instead be the fanatics who bring death, destruction and devastation throughout the Middle East. We will not let this happen. With God’s help, Israel will safeguard a united Jerusalem for generations to come.”

Netanyahu also spoke about the economic and societal advancements that occur when free countries are in alliance.

“We are absolutely committed to seize the future and shape it with our friends… We draw strength from the past, act with determination in the present…We do this in cooperation with our friends around the world, including Paraguay under your leadership.”

The prime minister expressed gratitude toward Paraguay and its president for standing with Israel while being under assault in the international media and courts.

“Mr. President, my friend, I thank you for standing in the service of truth, refuting the slander, lies and accusations that are constantly thrown at Israel,” he told Peña.

Netanyahu concluded by blessing and welcoming Peña’s delegation: “Santiago, my friend, I welcome you and your entourage…Thank you, friends. Gracias amigos. Viva Paraguay, Viva Israel, may you all be blessed in our country.”

Regarding the ICC arrest warrants for Israel’s top leaders, Paraguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted a statement on 𝕏) saying,

“The Government of the Republic of Paraguay regrets the decision of the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants against the prime minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, and the former defense minister, Yoav Gallant. This decision violates Israel’s legitimate right to defend itself. Paraguay strongly rejects the political exploitation of international law and considers that this decision compromises the legitimacy of the Court, in addition to weakening efforts for peace, security, and stability in the Middle East.”