Today (Wednesday), Paraguayan President Santiago Peña addressed the Knesset plenary during his official visit to Israel. Welcomed with trumpet fanfare, Peña announced that reopening Paraguay’s embassy in Jerusalem symbolizes a deep and principled commitment to Israel.
During his speech, the president said: “Paraguay is one of the nations that will always stand by Israel, especially after the horrific attacks of October 7. It was not just an attack on Israel but on all of us. There are moments when one must take a stand. Tomorrow, we will move Paraguay’s embassy to Jerusalem – Israel’s eternal capital. Without an embassy in Jerusalem, our diplomatic ties are incomplete. We hope this move inspires other nations to follow our lead.” Peña added: “In the face of any display of antisemitism, every Paraguayan will say – I am a Jew.”
“History will remember those who stood with Israel”
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana opened the special session, saying: “Your arrival here, President Peña, fulfills your promise to move Paraguay’s embassy to Jerusalem. By transferring the embassy, Paraguay joins a distinguished group of nations that honor the truth and show courage in the face of international pressure. Paraguay has stood by Israel since the outbreak of the war, supported us in international forums, and demonstrated unwavering commitment to justice and our right to self-defense.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Paraguay’s steadfast support for Israel: “It is not always easy to take a principled stand, but as a courageous leader imbued with integrity, you chose to stand with Israel. History will remember those who stood by Israel in its hour of need. Jerusalem will remain united forever under Israeli sovereignty.”
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid stated in his speech that Paraguay’s support comes at a time of great pain, with Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. “We live in a world that has lost its mind. Everything once logical and self-evident is now in flames. In such times, liberal democracies must strengthen their ties and remain anchors of stability and shared values. Your visit, President Peña, is proof of true friendship.”
Tomorrow, the Paraguayan delegation, including the President of Paraguay’s House of Representatives and senior ministers, will inaugurate Paraguay’s embassy in Jerusalem, marking another significant step in deepening relations between the two countries.
“Fighting Terrorism – A Moral Test for the World”
In a joint press statement by the Knesset Speaker and the Paraguayan President, Ohana declared: “In such moments, neutrality itself is betrayal. The fight against terrorism is a defining moral test of our era. Those who choose silence betray the principles of humanity.”
The Paraguayan President added: “We moved our embassy to Jerusalem because it is the rightful place for it. Paraguay and Israel are bound by eternal friendship. We stand with you during these challenging times and believe in a value-based partnership that will advance both nations forward.”
