Faith Diplomacy and Geopolitical Power: The Latin America–Israel Axis at the Center of the New International Landscape

Jerusalem, Israel – December 17, 2024

The recent tour of the Middle East, along with statements issued from Puerto Rico and Mexico by Dr. José Benjamín Pérez Matos, have brought light to the consolidation of a political-religious actor with growing international projection. His speech, which weaves together faith, strategy, and geopolitical positioning, seeks to directly influence the conflict in Gaza and the legitimacy of the State of Israel within the international system.

One of the most notable aspects of this approach has been the message’s shift in tone: from a framework centered exclusively on prayer to a stance that demands decisive action in the international political stage. In this regard, the need for an “uprising against terrorism” in Gaza has been proposed, accompanied by criticism of the lack of resolve among multilateral organizations and governments that have scaled back on their support for Israel. The stance is clear: the formation of a Palestinian state is not considered viable under the current conditions, but only within a framework subordinate to the laws and conditions of the Israeli State.

At the same time, a novel strategic line emerges centered on the use of resources as a negotiation tool. In particular, the water crisis in Iran is presented as an opportunity for diplomacy grounded on concrete solutions. From this perspective, Israel is not only positioned as a military power, but also as a provider of key technology for regional survival, shaping a logic of “peace for resources” that redefines traditional mechanisms of negotiation.

Another central point of the analysis lies in the recognition achieved within the highest religious and political spheres of Jerusalem. Meetings with Israeli Government officials and with Chief Rabbi Kalman Ber transcend beyond the symbolic or ecclesiastical realm, projecting themselves as signals of mutual legitimacy. The establishment of a “brotherhood” relationship with the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi suggests the formation of a bloc of influence with aspirations to play a role in potential global reordering.

In this context, Latin America and the Caribbean emerge as a rising actor within this framework. According to these statements, a regional front is taking shape that serves as a counterweight to countries maintaining critical positions against Israel. This bloc not only offers political and moral support, but also projects itself as a strategic ally in the defense of Israeli sovereignty, expanding the geopolitical reach of the region.

His analysis concluded with a clear message: this is a strategy that departs from traditional diplomacy frameworks, leaning towards an approach of structural strength. The viability of the two-State solution in the current context is in question, and the emergence of a new international hierarchy is proposed, in which Israel would occupy a central role, integrating political and religious dimensions within a single axis of power.