Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, known as AMLO, has taken a cautious and somewhat contradictory stance towards Israel and its actions in Gaza, refraining from defining Israel’s actions as genocide despite joining South Africa’s case accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians. This ambiguity has raised questions about Lopez Obrador’s legacy in office, especially as Mexico prepares for a pivotal nationwide vote this Sunday. Critics wonder whether his likely successor, Morena party candidate Claudia Sheinbaum, will continue his ambivalent approach towards Israel.
Lopez Obrador’s stance on Israel contrasts with other left-leaning leaders in Latin America who have criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza. The phenomenon known as the “pink tide” has seen leaders like Gabriel Boric in Chile, Gustavo Petro in Colombia, and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Brazil speaking out against Israel’s military offensive. However, Lopez Obrador has opted for a more neutral position, expressing support for Israel while calling for peace without taking a firm stance on the violence in Gaza. This approach has drawn criticism from both Israeli officials and Palestinian rights advocates.
One journalist, Témoris Grecko, attributes Mexico’s reluctance to condemn Israel to the economic and military ties between the two countries. Mexico imports products from Israel, including arms and spyware, and Israel is a significant supplier of technology and training for the Mexican military. Additionally, Mexican company Cemex provided raw materials for a wall in Israel. These interests, coupled with pressure from the pro-Israel lobby, have led to Lopez Obrador’s restrained response to the conflict in Gaza, despite calls for action from pro-Palestinian advocates.
Protests have erupted in Mexico City, with university students and activists demanding that Lopez Obrador cut off diplomatic ties with Israel. While some acts of protest, like a demonstration at the Israeli embassy, have attracted attention, others, like an encampment at the Zocalo plaza, strive to educate the public about the conflict in Gaza. However, Lopez Obrador’s reluctance to take a strong stance reflects Mexico’s historical tendency towards neutrality in international conflicts, driven in part by its dependence on the US, a key ally to Israel.
As the presidency in Mexico transitions with the upcoming elections, Lopez Obrador is expected to pass the baton to Claudia Sheinbaum. Critics anticipate that Sheinbaum, if elected, will maintain the status quo in terms of human rights abuses and international relations. While Sheinbaum has spoken out about the Palestinian cause in the past, including reflecting on her family’s history of persecution, it remains to be seen whether her presidency will bring any significant changes in Mexico’s stance towards Israel. The complexity of the situation, with issues like the Ayotzinapa case and potential implications for justice, adds layers of complexity to the debate.
