Chile and Honduras Restore Ambassadors to Israel for First Time Since October 7 Conflict

Israeli President Isaac Herzog received the credentials of six new ambassadors in a formal ceremony at the President's Residence. Among them were ambassadors from Sri Lanka, Georgia, Nigeria, Germany, Chile, and Honduras. Notably, Chile and Honduras returned their ambassadors to Israel for the first time since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, 2023. The ceremony included the playing of each country's national anthem by the IDF orchestra and an honor guard review.

Following the credential presentations, President Herzog held individual meetings with each ambassador. In his discussion with Chile's ambassador Gabriel Alejandro Zeliasnik Shilkrut, Herzog acknowledged the ongoing trauma from the October 7 attacks and highlighted efforts toward peace. He referenced the Trump Peace Council's initiatives and expressed hope for renewed dialogue with Israel's neighbors. Herzog also emphasized the importance of the UN Security Council's 20-point plan, which calls for Hamas's disarmament as a prerequisite for progress.

Herzog expressed optimism that a technocratic government, supported by the Trump Peace Council and its director Nikolay Mladenov, could foster hope for both Gaza residents and Israelis. The return of Chilean and Honduran ambassadors marks a diplomatic step forward amid ongoing regional tensions and efforts to rebuild and stabilize relations after the conflict.