Israel Congratulates New President of a Country that Cut Ties with It

SadaNews - Israel welcomed the election of Rodrigo Paz, a center-right politician, as the new president of Bolivia and congratulated him through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Bolivia is expected to end two decades of socialist rule, an event that Israel sees as an opportunity for a "new chapter" in relations between the two sides.

Bolivia cut its relations with Israel in November 2023, due to alleged crimes against humanity committed in the Gaza Strip.

On Monday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said in a statement: "I congratulate the elected president Rodrigo Paz on his election as the new president of Bolivia, and we extend our warmest congratulations to the Bolivian people for their democratic path and their choice of renewal."

Sa'ar added: "Bolivia has a long history of friendship with Israel and the Jewish people. We look forward to opening a new page in our bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation in a wide range of areas for the benefit of both countries."

Paz will officially take office on November 8, succeeding outgoing President Luis Arce, who refrained from running after 5 years in office that saw the worst economic crisis the country has faced in decades.

Bolivia has been overwhelmed by a fuel crisis following the collapse of gas exports and the depletion of hard currency reserves, leading to inflation exceeding 23 percent and long queues forming at fuel stations.

In his victory speech, Paz stated that Bolivia "is reclaiming its place on the international stage."