President Isaac Herzog recieved six new ambassadors to Israel on Monday, including the ambassadors of Chile and Honduras, who returned to serve in Israel for the first time since the October 7 Hamas massacre.
During the official credential ceremony at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, the ambassadors of Sri Lanka, Georgia, Nigeria, Germany, Chile, and Honduras formally presented their letters of credence. Upon their arrival, the Israel Defense Forces Orchestra performed their national anthems, and each ambassador inspected an honor guard before meeting privately with the president.
During his meeting with Chile’s ambassador, Herzog also addressed the proposed Gaza framework advanced by the Peace Council, saying there have been encouraging developments in efforts led by U.S. President Donald Trump.
He said the 20-point framework adopted by the U.N. Security Council could provide a basis for progress, but only if Hamas makes a clear commitment to disarm.
Herzog stressed that Hamas’ disarmament remains the essential condition for moving to the next phase of the plan, which envisions the establishment of a technocratic government in Gaza.
According to Herzog, such a transition could advance “a vision of hope” for both the people of Gaza and the citizens of Israel. The ceremony was more than diplomatic protocol—it was a visible sign that years of diplomatic isolation imposed by some governments may be beginning to crack.