Chile and Honduras to Return Envoys to Israel After 2023 Recall

The presidents of Chile and Honduras told Israel's president on Friday that they intend to return their countries' ambassadors after the envoys were recalled from Israel in late 2023. The recalls occurred in protest of Israel's war in the Gaza Strip that began after the October 7 attacks.

The current presidents, who were elected after the previous right-wing and pro-Israel leaders took office, conveyed the decision directly. The previous presidents of both countries had recalled their ambassadors amid the post-October 7 war in Gaza. Officials from Chile and Honduras stated that the ambassadors would return to Israel in the coming weeks.

The move reverses the diplomatic withdrawals ordered in late 2023.

The recalls took place shortly after the war began in October 2023. Both nations cited Israel's military operations in Gaza as the reason for withdrawing their envoys. The decision to restore diplomatic representation follows changes in leadership in Chile and Honduras.

The countries' newly elected presidents informed Israel's president of the planned return during a conversation on Friday. They indicated the ambassadors would resume their posts within weeks. No specific timeline beyond that was provided in the announcement.