On Wednesday, Guatemala joined the United States by opening its own embassy in Jerusalem. This is not the first time Guatemala has followed the lead of the United States regarding Israel; in May 1948, after the United States became the first country in the world to recognize the Jewish state, Guatemala immediately did the same thing.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, “This is the beginning of something extraordinary,” adding Guatemala’s decision went “hand in hand” with the U.S. move. He noted Guatemala’s decision 70 years ago, saying, “You were always among the first. We remember our friends and Guatemala is our friend, then and now.”
The embassy is located at the Malha Technological Park in Jerusalem.
Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales added, “70 years ago the U.S. and Guatemala voted in favor of partition. Three friends that share friendship and loyalty.”
As The Jerusalem Post noted, Netanyahu pointed out that Jerusalem already has a Guatemala Street near the new embassy. He asserted, “I think we need more Guatemala Streets in Israel. And we’d also like to see Israel Streets in Guatemala.” He said the next time he visits Latin America, which he surmised will happen in late 2018, he intends to visit Guatemala.
Roughly 150 people were jammed into the foyer of the embassy, including U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, Sheldon Adelson, Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat and numerous Guatemalan ministers and members of the legislature.
Paraguay has already stated it will also relocate its embassy to Jerusalem; Romania, the Czech Republic and Honduras have stated they are thinking of following suit.