Israel to close embassy in Paraguay

File photo: Paraguayan President Horacio Cartes shakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a meeting

Paraguay’s FM said earlier that his country would relocate embassy to Tel Aviv

Israel said Wednesday it would shut down its embassy in Paraguay.

Israel will close its embassy in Paraguay and recall the ambassador to discuss the issue, according to a statement by the Israeli Prime Minister's Office.

The move comes after the Latin American country announced it would relocate its embassy from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv.

Paraguay’s Foreign Minister Luis Alberto Castiglioni said Wednesday said the embassy, which previously been moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, would be relocated to Tel Aviv.

"In a bid to assure a wide, fair and permanent peace in the Middle East, Paraguay wants to contribute to the regional diplomatic efforts," the top diplomat said.

After the U.S. and Guatemala, Paraguay on May 21 moved the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.