Nadene Goldfoot
Paraguay-Israel relations are strong and consistently pro-Israel, marked by shared values, support in international forums, and a recent re-establishment of Paraguay's embassy in Jerusalem in late 2024, reversing a temporary move to Herzliya. This strong bond, rooted in religious conservatism, historical support for Israel's creation (1947 UN vote), and shared resilience, sees Paraguay designating Hamas as a terrorist group, backing Israel after the October 7 attacks, and strengthening cooperation in tech, agriculture, and security, making it a key ally in South America.
What do we know about Paraguay? The leaders are young.
Paraguay, a landlocked South American nation, is roughly the sze of California (around 157,000 sq mi/406,000 sq km) wit a growing population estimated around 7-7.6 million (2025), known for its strong indigenous Guaraní culture, dual Spanish/Guaraní language use, and being an "Upper-middle-income" country with a significant urban population. Paraguay's people are predominantly Mestizo, speaking Spanish and Guarani, with a strong Catholic majority (around 70-90%), balanced with growing Evangelical Protestantism and smaller groups like Mennonites, Jews, and Muslims, all under a constitution guaranteeing religious freedom. This South American nation blends indigenous Guarani culture with Spanish colonial history, creating a unique national identity reflected in its faith and people.
Compare that to Israel today: Israel is a fast growing country in the Middle East with a population of approximately 10.15 million people-far more than recent 7 million, and a total area of about 22,072 square kilometers (8,522 sq miles).
- Religious Affiliation (2023 est.):
- 73.7% Judaism
- 18.3% Islam VP: Pedro Alliana
- 1.9% Christianity
- 1.6% Druze faith
- Ethnic Groups (2025 est.):
- 71.9% Jews
- 21% Arabs
- 7.1% Others (including non-Arab Christians, Baha'i, etc.)
- 1. Paraguay moved its embassy to Jerusalem in 2018, then briefly back to Herzliya, before President Santiago Peña restored it to Jerusalem in December 2024, signaling renewed commitment
- 2. Paraguay consistently supports Israel at the UN and other bodies, opposing anti-Israel resolutions.
- 3. It officially designated Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as terrorist organizations.
- 4. The relationship is built on shared democratic values, resilience, and a historical connection, including welcoming Jewish immigrants.
- Post-October 7th Stance: Paraguay was a staunch supporter after the 2023 Hamas attacks, with President Peña stating, "We will not abandon Israel," according to Latin America Reports and The Jerusalem Post.
- Cooperation: The partnership extends beyond politics into technology, agriculture, and security, benefiting both nations.
- Historical Roots: Paraguay voted for the 1947 UN Partition Plan for Palestine and opened diplomatic relations in 1949, maintaining strong historical ties.
