Mexico’s Support for Israel: Military Relations & Foreign Policy

Mexico handles its relationship with Israel in different, balanced, and practical ways. Though condemning terrorism and recognizing Israel’s right to be safe, Mexico has expressed hesitation with many of Israel’s moves, especially in the case of Gaza. Mexico agrees that Israel should defend itself, and it firmly criticizes actions like the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel organized by Hamas. It appealed for the return of Mexican nationals and other people being held by Hamas. Mexico has raised its complaints over the way Israel’s war in Gaza has affected ‌ Palestinian civilians and their infrastructure.

Mexico sought to participate in the International Court of Justice’s proceedings concerning allegations of genocide against Israel and supports investigations into possible Israeli war crimes. To achieve peace, Mexico backs the acceptance of both Israel and Palestine within a two-state solution. Mexico City’s mayor, Claudia Sheinbaum, continues to advocate for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

Criticism of Mexico for supporting Israel

Mexico has not followed the example of some Latin American left-leaning countries by recalling its ambassador from Israel. Mexico is said by some to be cautious in its Middle East policy as a result of military and economic links with Israel, including sales of arms and security arrangements, despite not fully criticizing Israel. Critics claim that during President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s administration (AMLO), Mexico has not strongly stood against the harsh fighting and suffering in Gaza, nor has it declared its acts of genocide. 

AMLO said he would not use these terms publicly because he thought it might cause more conflict.

Those who support Palestinians argue that Mexico fails to challenge forced evictions, ethnic cleansing, and genocide in Israel. Many people see this division of duties as failing to support international law and human rights.

It is thought by journalists and experts that because Mexico buys technology and guidance from Israel for its military and economy, it is slow to criticize and is reluctant to cease relations. It is thought that these relationships give Mexico some motivation to show more support for Israel and less for Palestine.

Families of the victims have gathered to protest against Israel, which has at times resulted in confrontations with the Israeli consulate in Mexico City. According to groups backing Palestine, the government of Mexico must cut ties with Israel and firmly support the Palestinians. Activists committing themselves to the Palestinian cause are impatient with Mexico’s failure to back the recognition of Palestinian independence, which they think shatters their long-standing confidence in Mexico’s support for a Palestinian state. Many groups and activists in Mexico say the government favors US and Israeli interests and places them higher than human rights. A number of people argue that Mexico is a “subordinate nation” owing to the fact that its policies are often affected by the US.

Does Mexico’s support for Israel reflect its economic and military ties?

Mexico’s military and economic connections with Israel have a big impact on its support for the country.

• Israel is one of the main nations delivering military equipment and teaching strategies to Mexico. Mexico brings in Israeli companies to train its police and security forces, and it makes weapons and security purchases from Israel.
• In addition to their military partnership, Mexico and Israel are expanding their economic links through trade in chemicals, pharmaceuticals, agricultural technologies, and technology. Since they signed a free trade agreement in 2000, trade has grown gradually, with Mexico acquiring Israeli electronics and medications and exporting commodities to Israel like cars and crude oil.
• Because Mexico’s economy depends so much on the US, its room for political engagement with other nations is also limited. Because of this dependence, Mexico often changes its usual policy and takes sides on issues related to Israel and Palestine, mainly due to efforts by Israeli and Palestinian lobbyists and the local Jewish and Arab populations in the country.
• President Lopez Obrador and the government of Mexico have refrained from expressing a public opinion on Israel or cutting diplomatic ties, while many people have protested and criticized Israel’s behavior