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

President Isaac Herzog received the credentials of six new ambassadors, including those from Chile and Honduras, marking their first return to Israel since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. In a meeting with Chile's ambassador, Herzog discussed Trump's Board of Peace initiative and the UN Security Council's 20-point plan, stressing that Hamas must disarm.

President Isaac Herzog received the credentials of six newly appointed ambassadors at the President's Residence on Monday, August 3, 2026. Among them were the ambassadors of Chile and Honduras, marking their return to Israel for the first time since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. The other ambassadors were from Sri Lanka, Georgia, Nigeria, and Germany. The ceremony included national anthems by the IDF Orchestra and a review of the honor guard. During a private meeting with Chile's ambassador, Herzog addressed diplomatic efforts regarding the Gaza conflict and referred to Trump's Board of Peace initiative. He said the initiative could create opportunities for dialogue with neighbors. Herzog welcomed the UN Security Council's 20-point plan as a positive step but stressed that progress depended on Hamas disarming. He expressed hope for a technocratic government in Gaza and a vision of hope for both Gazans and Israelis.