Costa Rica’s newly sworn-in President Laura Fernández Delgado has informed Israeli President Isaac Herzog of her intention to relocate Costa Rica’s Israeli embassy from Tel Aviv back to Jerusalem, sources from Herzog’s office confirmed Friday.
This diplomatic shift would undo a 2006 policy change implemented by former President Óscar Arias, who had moved the embassy from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv to align Costa Rican foreign policy with international standards and strengthen relationships with Arab nations.
The discussion took place during a meeting in San José following Fernández’s presidential inauguration ceremony, which Herzog attended as Israel’s official representative. According to Herzog’s office, this marked Fernández’s inaugural official presidential meeting.
For many years prior to 2006, Costa Rica had operated its Israeli embassy in Jerusalem. The relocation to Tel Aviv was part of broader international diplomatic practice, as most nations maintain their Israeli embassies there due to ongoing disputes over Jerusalem’s final status in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel claims Jerusalem as its capital, while Palestinians view East Jerusalem as the future capital of their proposed state.
Fernández officially began her 2026-2030 presidential term on Friday, taking over from outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves. Her administration is anticipated to maintain many of Chaves’ policy priorities, particularly emphasizing security matters and strengthening relationships with the United States. During the inauguration events, Herzog conducted meetings with multiple regional and international dignitaries.
Herzog’s diplomatic schedule included discussions with Spain’s King Felipe VI, Chilean President José Antonio Kast, Honduran President Nasry Asfura, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo, and Dominican President Rodolfo Abinader Corona.
Reflecting on his Latin American visit, Herzog expressed his impressions before departing for Israel. “I was moved to see the depth of appreciation for Israel, the great interest in its capabilities, and the recognition of its unique contribution to humanity,” Herzog stated.
He further commented on regional diplomatic trends, saying, “In contrast to many voices on the international stage, a positive trend of change, tightening of ties, and deepening of cooperation with Israel is evident in Latin America.”
During his stay, Herzog also participated in Shabbat morning services at San José’s Centro Israelita Sionista de Costa Rica, where he performed the Haftarah reading and spoke to the assembled congregation.
