Full Breakdown
Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s Historic Central American Tour
5/9/2026, 12:14:26 AM
Core Event – First Israeli Head of State Visits Panama and Costa Rica
On 6 May 2026, Israeli President Isaac Herzog arrived in Panama City, the first Israeli head of state to visit the country. He met President José Raúl Mulino, expanded the free-trade pact, signed cooperation deals on technology and water management, toured the Panama Canal, and then travelled to Costa Rica for the inauguration of President-elect Laura Fernández Delgado.
Background & Context – Diplomatic Outreach Amid Gaza War
Israel’s Gaza war, which led to an ICC arrest warrant for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has isolated the country diplomatically. Jerusalem has thus intensified outreach to nations that have abstained from UN resolutions condemning its actions, especially Panama and Costa Rica, both aligned with the United States.
Data & Agreements – Trade, UN Votes, Community Sizes, Casualties
Israel and Panama broadened their 2019 free-trade pact, adding cybersecurity, water management, agri-tech and medicine cooperation. A free-trade pact with Costa Rica, signed in December, includes a Jerusalem trade office. Panama and Costa Rica abstained from a 2024 UN resolution on Israel’s “illegal occupation” and from a September vote supporting a two-state solution (Panama among 12 abstainers). Jewish community sizes: Panama 12,000-15,000; Costa Rica 2,500-5,000. Gaza casualties exceed 72,000 dead and 172,000 wounded; ~90 % of civilian infrastructure destroyed.
Why It Matters – Strategic Shield and Regional Counterbalance
Panama’s two-year UN Security Council seat offers Israel a diplomatic shield in key votes. Strengthening ties also counters rising pro-Palestinian sentiment in Latin America, noted by Brazil’s President Lula and Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro. Herzog cited Iran’s “terror regime and its proxies” as a shared security concern.
Official Statements & Responses
Israel’s Foreign Ministry said the tour would “bolster strategic partnership” with Central America. President Mulino called the visit “a historic milestone” reaffirming “trust, mutual respect and cooperation.” The U.S. State Department said the agreements would “deepen cooperation … grounded in shared interests.” European governments, including Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and Belgium, have urged the EU to review ties with Israel.
Criticism & Opposition
Brazilian President Lula condemned Israel’s detention of flotilla participants as “an unjustifiable action” and a “serious affront to international law.” European calls to suspend or review ties reflect broader concerns over Israel’s conduct in Gaza.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I look forward to meeting with my friend President Jose Raúl Molino,” — Isaac Herzog, X post.
- “ “We will never forget how Panama stood with the Jewish people at the dawn of our statehood, supporting the historic resolution on Israel’s establishment, and formalizing relations just weeks after our independence.” — Isaac Herzog, press remarks.
- “Iran’s terror regime and its proxies reach far beyond the Middle East.” — Isaac Herzog, speech in Panama.
- “The detention of the flotilla activists in international waters had already represented a serious affront to international law,” — President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
What’s Next – Follow-Up in Costa Rica and UN Engagement
Herzog will attend President-elect Fernández Delgado’s inauguration in San José, meet Costa Rica’s Jewish leaders, and seek further cooperation. Israel also plans to leverage Panama’s UN Security Council seat in upcoming votes.
