(UTV|COLOMBO) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the closure of Israel’s embassy in Paraguay on Wednesday, hours after the Latin American nation’s new government announced it would move its embassy back to Tel Aviv from Jerusalem.
Paraguay’s decision was a blow to Israel’s efforts to achieve external recognition of Jerusalem as its capital, which appeared to have gained some traction this year with the United States, Guatemala, and Paraguay opening embassies there. Most countries do not recognize Israeli sovereignty over the entire city and say its final status should be set in peace talks.
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Paraguay’s foreign minister called Israel’s reaction “disproportionate.” Paraguay President Mario Abdo defended his decision as part of an effort to support “broad, lasting and just peace” among Israelis and Palestinians.
