Overview
- Israeli President Isaac Herzog began a four-day visit in Panama, where he was received by Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez and toured the Panama Canal.
- Herzog met President José Raúl Mulino in Panama City and discussed plans to expand work in technology, water management, health, agriculture, commerce, and security.
- Israeli officials say this is the first official visit by an Israeli president to Panama, signaling a push to upgrade ties.
- Herzog is set to travel next to Costa Rica to attend the inauguration of president-elect Laura Fernández Delgado after an invitation from outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves Robles.
- The trip comes as Israel seeks steady partners during sharp global criticism over the Gaza war and an ICC warrant for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with Panama holding a current UN Security Council seat.