Chile, Honduras return ambassadors to Israel for first time since October 7

Chile and Honduras have reinstated their ambassadors to Israel, marking a significant diplomatic development following the October 7 Hamas attack. The return of these envoys was formalized during ceremonies at the President's Residence, where six new ambassadors presented their credentials to President Isaac Herzog.

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You rightly mentioned the pogrom and the horrific atrocities of October 7, and where we find ourselves three years later.

Among the envoys were representatives from Sri Lanka, Georgia, Nigeria, Germany, Chile, and Honduras. Each ambassador was welcomed with their national anthem performed by the IDF Orchestra before formally presenting their credentials to President Herzog. Following the ceremony, they held private meetings with the president and signed the guest book.

During his meeting with the Chilean ambassador, President Herzog addressed the ongoing diplomatic efforts related to the Gaza conflict. He referenced "Trump's Board of Peace" initiative, highlighting its potential to foster dialogue with neighbors on all fronts. Herzog described the initiative's "20-point plan," recently adopted by the UN Security Council, as a "very positive step."

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I believe that now, together with the many efforts of Trump's BoP, we can find ways to engage in dialogue with our neighbors on all fronts.

However, Herzog stressed that any progress is contingent upon Hamas disarming. "I think the 20-point plan, adopted by the UN Security Council, is a very positive step, under the clear commitment that Hamas must be disarmed, and I hope Hamas will be completely disarmed," he stated. He believes that with support from US President Donald Trump, the Board of Peace, and its CEO Nikolay Mladenov, a framework can be established to offer hope to both Gazans and Israelis.

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I think the 20-point plan, adopted by the UN Security Council, is a very positive step, under the clear commitment that Hamas must be disarmed, and I hope Hamas will be completely disarmed.