The Truth About Guatemala's Support for Israel in 1956
Guatemala's Role in Supporting Israel
Guatemala played a significant role in supporting Israel in the mid-20th century, particularly in the context of the partition plan and the status of Jerusalem. One claim suggests that Guatemala organized a lobby of Central and South American countries to support the partition plan and that it was the first country to open an embassy in Jerusalem in 1956.
Fact Check: True or False?
The claim about Guatemala's support and embassy location related to the partition plan and Jerusalem in 1956 is false. Guatemala did not open an embassy in Jerusalem in that year, as most countries' embassies remained in Tel Aviv due to the contentious status of Jerusalem per the UN and the 1980 Jerusalem Law.
Explanation:
The statement that Guatemala organized a lobby of Central and South American countries to support the partition plan and that Guatemala became the first country to open an embassy in Jerusalem in 1956 is false. As historical records indicate, Guatemala did not open an embassy in Jerusalem in 1956. The actual situation involved tensions in Latin America during the 1950s and 1960s due to the US interventionist approach, aiming to contain communism. In matters relating to Israel, it was following the 1947 UN partition plan where Jerusalem was to become a shared capital, that Israel proclaimed independence and faced conflicts with neighboring Arab states.
The international community has long-debated the status of Jerusalem, and most countries, including Guatemala for a substantial period, maintained their embassies in Tel Aviv, recognizing the complexities of the 1980 Jerusalem Law and the UN's stance on the city's status.
Do you think the role of Guatemala in supporting Israel in the 1950s was significant?
While Guatemala did not open an embassy in Jerusalem in 1956 as claimed, its overall role in supporting Israel during that period can still be considered significant. The diplomatic efforts, alliances, and support for the partition plan demonstrate Guatemala's stance on international issues and its relations with Israel.