Honduras Strengthens Ties with Israel, Receives Urgent Eye Care Aid
In recent months, Honduras has rapidly improved its relations with Israel under the leadership of newly elected President Nasry "Tito" Asfura, who is of Palestinian descent. Since taking office, Asfura has reversed Honduras's previous stance, including changing its voting patterns at the United Nations to support Israel and announcing its withdrawal from the Hague Group, a coalition led by South Africa aimed at opposing Israel diplomatically and legally.
As part of this warming relationship, Israel responded positively to a special request from President Asfura for urgent assistance in ophthalmology to address high rates of glaucoma and cataracts in Honduras, which suffers from a severe shortage of surgeons and medical equipment. Following Asfura's visit to Israel in January, the Israeli Foreign Ministry, in cooperation with the Israeli embassy in Tegucigalpa, Sheba Medical Center, and the Joint Distribution Committee, quickly organized a delegation of eye specialists.
The Israeli medical team recently completed its mission in Honduras, treating 155 patients, with 136 undergoing successful eye surgeries. The delegation also provided training to local medical staff and handled complex cases. Dr. Emmanuel Schwalb from Sheba Medical Center noted the rapid development of professional and friendly cooperation despite differences in medical practices and equipment.
At the mission's opening ceremony, Honduras's Minister of the Presidency, Juan Carlos Garcia, expressed deep appreciation and confidence that the partnership would continue to strengthen. Israeli Ambassador Nadav Goren emphasized that the mission was a direct response to the president's request and a privilege for Israel to share its medical expertise.
This mission is the first phase of a broader aid program. In August, advanced glaucoma treatment equipment will be sent to Honduras, followed by another medical delegation in November, which will also focus on training local emergency teams for mass casualty events.
The improved ties with Honduras are part of a wider political shift in Latin America, where several countries including Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Colombia have replaced leftist governments hostile to Israel with right-leaning administrations viewing Israel as a strategic partner. Israel is actively working to solidify these renewed relations through diplomatic appointments and hosting delegations.
Additionally, an Israeli delegation led by retired Brigadier General Yossi Pinto is assisting Venezuela with disaster recovery following a severe earthquake, with their stay recently extended at the request of Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodriguez.
