Colombia to Restore Diplomatic Ties with Israel as New Government Takes Charge

The newly elected President of Colombia, Abelardo de la Espriella, announced plans to withdraw the country’s involvement in a legal case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This decision forms part of a broader strategy to restore diplomatic relations with Israel immediately after assuming office on August 7.

De la Espriella, known for his conservative stance, will succeed the progressive President Gustavo Petro. Petro severed diplomatic ties with Israel in 2024, condemning the actions in Gaza that he equated to Nazi Germany’s atrocities. During Petro’s presidency, Colombia backed South Africa’s case against Israel at the ICJ, accusing Israel of committing ‘genocide’ against Palestinians in Gaza. Israel has strongly denied these allegations, accusing South Africa of representing Hamas legally.

Severing ties with Israel required Colombia to find alternative security suppliers. The nation’s military relied on Israeli combat aircraft and rifles to combat drug cartels and rebel groups. Supported by U.S. President Donald Trump, De la Espriella aims to strengthen Colombia’s ties with the United States and restore relations with Israel.

“The historical relationship that Petro’s government unilaterally disrupted will regain its strength. Colombia will reestablish its alliances, diplomatic credibility, and position as a reliable global partner,”

stated De la Espriella in an official communication.

The designated Foreign Minister, Omar Bula, met with Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, in Washington to chart out plans for a ‘full and immediate restoration of diplomatic and economic relations’ starting August 7. The plans involve appointing ambassadors, mutual visa waivers, and establishing a Colombian embassy in Jerusalem. Previously, after cutting ties with Israel, Colombia planned to open an embassy in Ramallah, a part of the Palestinian territories occupied by Israel, with Petro appointing an ambassador to Palestinian territories.

Petro has openly opposed De la Espriella’s moves to reestablish relations with Israel. He cautioned against supporting actions perceived as genocidal, stating, “Anyone who supports genocide will become genocidal in their own country,” in a recent post on X.

The governmental transition has stirred political tensions in Colombia, following Petro’s refusal to acknowledge De la Espriella’s electoral win and claiming Iván Cepeda, his political ally, as the rightful victor. Petro alleged that private Israeli intelligence firms were involved in an electoral fraud to favor De la Espriella.