Trump Administration Considers Sanctions on Chile After Withdrawal of Military Attachés from Israel Over Gaza Genocide
Washington (Quds News Network)- The Trump administration is weighing harsh sanctions against Chile after its government pulled military attachés from Tel Aviv in protest of Israel’s genocide in Gaza, reported The Media Line. The Chilean move, a response to the genocide in Gaza, has escalated diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
A senior US official told The Media Line that “everything is on the table.” Washington is reportedly considering removing Chile from the US Visa Waiver Program, raising tariffs on Chilean exports, halting student visa interviews, and possibly closing the US consulate in Santiago.
Chile is the only Southern Cone country included in the Visa Waiver Program. Revoking that privilege would signal a major break in bilateral relations.
The Biden administration previously took similar action against Colombia after its president severed ties with Israel. The US now appears poised to respond to Chile in the same way.
On May 28, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed America’s unwavering support for Israel. Speaking at an event in occupied Jerusalem, Rubio said the United States will stand with the occupation state. He also announced new visa restrictions targeting individuals accused of spreading what he called “antisemitic hate”.
Chile’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defense jointly announced the attaché withdrawal on Tuesday. The decision cited Israel’s “disproportionate and indiscriminate” attacks in Gaza and its continued blockade of humanitarian aid.
President Gabriel Boric, in office since 2022, has steadily distanced Chile from the occupation state. His administration delayed the accreditation of Israel’s ambassador, banned Israeli companies from the 2024 FIDAE aerospace fair, and recalled Chile’s ambassador from Tel Aviv in November 2023.
Chilean media report that Boric may go further. In his nationally televised Cuenta Pública speech this Sunday, he could announce a complete break in diplomatic relations with Israel.
Some South American governments, including Bolivia, have recently grown closer to Iran, signing new weapons agreements and distancing themselves from Western allies. Analysts warn that a Chilean break with Israel may deepen that regional trend.
Chile’s Foreign Ministry said the country remains committed to international humanitarian law and called for immediate, unhindered aid access to Gaza.
