Israel’s relationship with Latin America takes step forward via Honduras defense deal

Israel and Honduras signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Sunday to deepen defense cooperation, marking the latest step in a broader strengthening of Israel’s ties with countries across Latin America.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz signed the agreement with Honduras’ Defense Minister Enrique Rodríguez Burchard during a high-level Honduran delegation's visit to Israel. The ceremony was also attended by the director-general of the Israeli Defense Ministry (IMOD), Maj.-Gen. (res.) Amir Baram, the senior deputy head of the policy and political-military bureau, Israel’s defense attaché to Honduras, among others.

IMOD said the agreement “constitutes a significant milestone in strengthening defense relations between the two countries and establishes a framework for long-term cooperation based on shared interests and values.”

Honduras has been an important partner of Israel in Central America and has consistently supported Israel in the international arena, the ministry said.

The Honduran delegation, led by Rodríguez Burchard, also included the nation's minister of internal security, chief of staff of the Honduran Armed Forces and other senior officials.

Katz chaired discussions with the Honduran officials on border security, intelligence and strategic planning, equipment procurement, internal security, training and development, and other areas of mutual concern.

The delegation also received briefings on Israel’s recent security and operational challenges, including lessons from the multi-front war and evolving regional threats.

“The delegation was briefed on the IMOD’s capabilities and activities, as well as key aspects of Israel’s defense and defense-industrial establishment,” the defense ministry said. “The parties explored relevant opportunities to expand defense cooperation, including in areas of mutual interest.”

The agreement with Honduras comes amid a broader strengthening of Israel’s diplomatic and security ties with countries across Latin America.

One of the most notable developments has been the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and Colombia, which took place at the initiative of newly inaugurated President Abelardo de la Espriella. His administration has made repairing ties with Israel a major priority, marking a sharp departure from the previous government of Gustavo Petro, who severed diplomatic relations with Israel and recently drew condemnation from Israeli officials after invoking the Nazi slogan “Heil Hitler” in a social media post.

De la Espriella recently announced that his government would extend diplomatic recognition to Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights, making Colombia only the second country after the United States to do so. He has also announced plans to re-establish defense and security ties with Israel, including the purchase of Israeli-built drones and other military equipment for Colombia’s internal security and border defense

Venezuela, which has long maintained hostile relations with Israel, has also recently taken steps toward improving ties, including a decision to open a diplomatic mission in Tel Aviv following an Israeli aid delegation to Venezuela to assist with recovery from a recent double earthquake.