Nicaragua's Strong Condemnation of Israel's Actions
Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega has made headlines with his scathing remarks against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, labeling him a "son of Satan" and a "modern-day Hitler" due to what he describes as Israel's terrorist policies towards the Palestinian people. During a recent event attended by senior military and police officials, Ortega condemned the ongoing violence in Gaza and its potential expansion into Lebanon, attributing the conflict to U.S. support for Israel and its allies.
In a decisive move, the Nicaraguan government announced the severance of all diplomatic relations with Israel, citing the ongoing "genocide" against Palestinians as a primary reason. This decision was supported by a resolution from the Nicaraguan Congress, which called for action against Israel, coinciding with the anniversary of significant Israeli military actions in Gaza. Ortega's Vice President, Rosario Murillo, echoed these sentiments, labeling Israel as a "fascist and criminal government."
Historical Context and Implications of Nicaragua's Decision
This recent diplomatic shift marks a significant moment in Nicaragua's foreign policy, as it recalls a similar severance of relations with Israel in 1982, which was later restored in 2017. The current decision is largely symbolic, given the limited diplomatic interactions between the two nations, with Israel lacking an ambassador in Managua. Notably, Nicaragua has previously expressed its intention to join the genocide case against Israel initiated by South Africa.
The backdrop of this diplomatic fallout is the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has escalated since October 7, 2023, resulting in a staggering humanitarian crisis with over 141,000 Palestinians reported as either martyrs or injured, and significant destruction across the region. Ortega's government views the situation as a serious threat to both regional and global peace, aligning its stance with a broader narrative of opposition to perceived Western hegemony in the Middle East.
