Central American Parliament establishes Israel alliance as push for observer status gathers steam

The head of the Central American Parliament is pushing for Israel to obtain observer status within the coming month, following the establishment of the regional body's first formal alliance with Israel.

The effort reflects broader shifts in Latin American geopolitics, with several countries in the region realigning toward the United States and Israel. The Washington-based Israel Allies Foundation launched an Israel Allies Caucus at the Central American Parliament on Tuesday, formalizing institutional ties between Israel and the legislative body.

Central American Parliament President Karla Gutiérrez said she plans to urge lawmakers to approve observer status by next month. The Guatemala-based Parliament, established in 1991, represents 124 lawmakers from six member states - Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, and the Dominican Republic - with a combined population of 60 million. It focuses on regional integration, peace, and cooperation.

Observer status would require approval from two-thirds of lawmakers. Several other countries and territories currently hold such status, including Morocco, China, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and Mexico.

Gutiérrez stated: "I am committed to strengthening the bonds of friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding between our peoples while advancing the democratic and Judeo-Christian values that unite us. It is both a privilege and a responsibility to help build a closer partnership with Israel that will benefit our region for generations to come."

Leopoldo Martínez, Latin America director of the Israel Allies Foundation, called the caucus "a historic milestone for the relationship between Israel and Central America," Adding that it would provide "a permanent parliamentary platform dedicated to strengthening cooperation with Israel through faith-based diplomacy, shared democratic principles, and our common Judeo-Christian values."

Josh Reinstein, president of the Israel Allies Foundation, described it as "a defining moment for faith-based diplomacy in the region," Noting the caucus would advance "an unprecedented diplomatic breakthrough that would open a new chapter for Israel in Central America."

The Israeli Foreign Ministry declined to comment.