As Israel faces increasing international isolation over its regional wars, President Isaac Herzog is set to embark on a four-day official visit to Panama and Costa Rica. The trip aims to strengthen diplomatic ties with Latin America, a region where Israel seeks reliable partners.

According to the Israeli Foreign Ministry, Herzog will depart on May 6, first visiting Panama to meet President Jose Raul Mulino, then heading to Costa Rica for the inauguration of President-elect Laura Fernandez Delgado. This marks the first-ever visit by an Israeli president to Panama.

The visit is largely intended to secure Panama's continued support in the UN Security Council, where it serves as a non-permanent member. Both Panama and Costa Rica have recently abstained from or voted against anti-Israel resolutions at the UN, aligning with US and Israeli positions.

Israel's allies in Central America are mostly small states dependent on US support, and Herzog's visit seeks to reinforce these relationships. It also aims to counter growing pro-Palestinian sentiment in the region, particularly from leftist leaders in Colombia and Brazil who have vocally criticized Israel.

Israel has previously deepened ties with Costa Rica through a free trade agreement and the opening of a trade office in Jerusalem, which the US State Department endorsed. Herzog's trip is part of Israel's broader effort to break its diplomatic isolation and cultivate new allies on the world stage.

Source: www.aljazeera.com