Santiago, Chile – The incoming administration of Chilean President-elect José Antonio Kast is signaling a significant shift in the country’s relationship with Israel, naming Gabriel Zaliasnik as the fresh ambassador to Israel. The appointment, confirmed by sources close to Kast’s team, marks a departure from the more strained ties that characterized the presidency of Gabriel Boric and is expected to usher in a period of closer cooperation, particularly in areas of defense, technology and economic relations.
Zaliasnik, an influential lawyer of Jewish origin, represents a deliberate choice by Kast to recalibrate Chile’s foreign policy. During his campaign, Kast promised to “rectify the errors committed by Boric,” which he characterized as capricious and driven by personal grievances. This pledge followed a period of increasing tension between Santiago and Jerusalem, culminating in Boric’s refusal to accept the credentials of the Israeli ambassador, Gil Artzyeli, in 2023. The move was widely criticized by pro-Israel groups and signaled a cooling of diplomatic relations.
The appointment of Zaliasnik is seen as a clear indication that Kast intends to prioritize a stronger alliance with Israel. Gideon Sa’ar, Israel’s current foreign minister, is scheduled to visit Chile for Kast’s inauguration – the first such visit from an Israeli foreign minister since 1994, according to reports. This underscores the importance Israel places on the changing dynamic in Santiago. The shift comes after a period where the Boric administration faced criticism for what some considered a hostile stance towards Israel, even before the outbreak of the conflict in Gaza following the October 2024 Hamas attack.
A History of Friction Under Boric
Relations between Chile and Israel deteriorated under President Boric, marked by what observers described as a lack of warmth and several diplomatic snubs. The refusal to receive Ambassador Artzyeli’s credentials was a particularly contentious moment. This action, coupled with other perceived slights, drew criticism from within the Chilean Jewish community. Gabriel Zaliasnik himself, a prominent member of that community, previously tweeted about Boric’s tendency to offer apologies, suggesting a perceived lack of sincerity in addressing concerns related to Israel.
The Palestinian community in Chile, whereas, has expressed strong opposition to Zaliasnik’s appointment, deeming it “morally unacceptable.” elciudadano.com reported on the community’s concerns, highlighting a deep divide in opinion regarding Chile’s relationship with Israel and the Palestinian territories.
Strategic Alignment and Shared Values
Kast’s decision to strengthen ties with Israel is rooted in a belief that the two countries share strategic interests and common values. piensaChile noted the ideological alignment between Kast and Zaliasnik, emphasizing a shared commitment to Zionism. This shared worldview is expected to translate into increased cooperation on issues of mutual concern, including counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and technological innovation.
Beyond security concerns, the incoming administration views Israel as a key economic partner. Chile is seeking to expand trade and investment ties with Israel, particularly in areas such as agriculture, water management, and renewable energy. The normalization of relations is expected to facilitate these efforts and create new opportunities for Chilean businesses.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter in Chile-Israel Relations
The appointment of Gabriel Zaliasnik as ambassador signals a decisive break from the policies of the previous administration. The visit by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar for Kast’s inauguration further solidifies this shift. The incoming government intends to actively rebuild trust and foster a more collaborative relationship with Israel, focusing on areas of mutual benefit and shared strategic interests. itongadol.com reported that the Israeli Foreign Minister will be traveling specifically for the inauguration, highlighting the importance Israel places on the new administration.
As Kast prepares to take office, the focus will be on implementing his vision for a stronger Chile-Israel partnership. The first steps will likely involve establishing regular diplomatic channels, initiating discussions on potential economic agreements, and exploring opportunities for increased security cooperation. The coming months will be crucial in defining the contours of this new relationship and its implications for both countries.
The next key date to watch is the official inauguration of President-elect José Antonio Kast, where the presence of Foreign Minister Sa’ar will symbolize the renewed commitment to strengthening ties between Chile, and Israel.
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