Palestinian Community Urges Chilean Government to Reconsider Appointment of Gabriel Zaliasnik as Ambassador to Israel

Original article: Comunidad Palestina pide al Gobierno reconsiderar nombramiento de Gabriel Zaliasnik como embajador de Chile en Israel

The Palestinian Community of Chile has expressed its strong opposition to the appointment of Gabriel Zaliasnik as the new ambassador of Chile to Israel, urging the government to rethink a decision that they believe signals a concerning shift in Chile’s foreign policy.

The organization noted that this appointment comes at a particularly sensitive time, amid international allegations against Benjamin Netanyahu’s government for purported violations of international law in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.

Maurice Khamis Massú, president of the Palestinian Community of Chile, stated that the appointment may undermine the perception of independence and autonomy in Chile’s foreign policy, given Zaliasnik’s publicly expressed views regarding Israel.

«It is incomprehensible that, while a significant part of the international community is moving toward diplomatic pressure against the repeated violations of international law committed by the Israeli government, Chile decides to elevate its diplomatic representation in Tel Aviv once again,» Khamis pointed out.

He further added that the appointment «casts doubt on the impartiality that should characterize anyone representing the permanent interests of the State of Chile» and warned that this measure strays from the principles that have historically guided the country’s foreign policy.

Doubts About His Impartiality

The Palestinian Community also raised concerns over various statements made by Zaliasnik in recent years regarding Palestine, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the Palestinian community in Chile, arguing that these past comments raise questions about his ability to represent the interests of all Chilean citizens impartially.

Additionally, the organization voiced concern for situations that could impact Chilean citizens with familial, property, or humanitarian ties to Palestine, particularly in light of potential entry restrictions, property confiscations, or violations of rights in the occupied territories.

Ultimately, the Palestinian Community of Chile called on the Executive to review the appointment and reiterated that the country’s foreign policy must remain aligned with international law, the protection of human rights, and the principles that have historically guided Chilean diplomacy.