Chile withdraws military attaches from Israel, citing Gaza's 'humanitarian crisis'
Move marks latest escalation in diplomatic tensions between Chile and Israel under President Boric
BOGOTA, Colombia
Chile announced on Wednesday that it would withdraw its military, defense, and air force attaches from Tel Aviv, citing the dire humanitarian conditions facing the Palestinian people in Gaza.
The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the decision to withdraw its military, defense, and air force attaches from the Chilean Embassy in Tel Aviv has already been communicated to Israeli authorities.
The ministry stated that this decision, which was coordinated with the Ministry of Defense, stems from "the extremely serious humanitarian situation currently experienced by the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip."
It specifically cited "the disproportionate and indiscriminate military operation by the Israeli army," as well as "constant obstacles to allowing aid" into the besieged Palestinian territory.
According to the ministry's website, the officials include Defense and Air Force Attache Colonel Christian Stuardo Nunez, Military Attache Colonel Marcelo Elo Rodriguez, and Naval Attache Captain Pedro Perez Flores.
This latest action highlights a pattern of diplomatic tension between President Gabriel Boric's administration and Israel since he took office. Significant friction arose in September 2022 when Boric declined to meet with Israeli Ambassador Gil Artzyeli at La Moneda Palace to accept his credentials.
Tensions flared again in April 2024, when Boric excluded Israel from attending the International Air and Space Fair (FIDAE), which Tel Aviv interpreted as a political sanction, further deteriorating bilateral relations.
Boric then recalled Chile's ambassador to Israel for consultations in November 2023, following the bombing of a refugee camp, and announced his government's support for South Africa's lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
In the statement, the Chilean government reiterated its demands that Israel "cease its military operation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, allow the entry of humanitarian aid, and respect international law and international humanitarian law."
Earlier on Wednesday, at least 24 Palestinians were killed in a series of deadly Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, marking the 600th day of the deadly conflict.
