Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited Panama in May 2024 [1], marking the first time an Israeli president has visited the country [2].
The trip represents a strategic effort by Israel to deepen diplomatic and economic ties with Central American partners. By engaging directly with Panamanian leadership, Israel seeks to expand cooperation in critical sectors including security, technology, and trade [3].
The visit lasted four days [4] and included high-level meetings in Panama City. During the tour, Herzog met with Panamanian leadership to discuss shared interests. While some reports identify the counterpart as President-elect José Raúl Mulino, other records indicate the meetings involved incumbent President Laurentino Cortizo [5].
"Panama is a true friend and partner," Herzog said [6].
Cortizo expressed a similar sentiment regarding the diplomatic outreach. "We welcome President Herzog and look forward to fruitful discussions," Cortizo said [7].
The Israeli Foreign Ministry characterized the trip as a broader regional initiative. A spokesperson for the ministry said the visit will deepen ties with partners in the region [8].
This diplomatic push comes as Israel looks to solidify its presence in the Americas. The four-day itinerary [4] was designed to foster long-term bilateral cooperation through the exchange of technological expertise and security strategies [3].
“"Panama is a true friend and partner."”
This historic visit signals Israel's intent to diversify its diplomatic alliances and strengthen its footprint in Central America. By focusing on security and technology, Israel is leveraging its specialized industries to build strategic partnerships in a region that serves as a critical global logistics hub.
