Colombia’s Foreign Policy Shift: Rebuilding Ties with Israel

The newly elected president of Colombia, Abelardo de la Espriella, announced plans to withdraw the country’s involvement in the legal case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. This decision is a key part of his strategy to restore diplomatic relations with Israel as he takes office.

De la Espriella, a conservative, will assume the presidency on August 7, following Gustavo Petro, a progressive who severed diplomatic ties with Israel in 2024. This action was a form of protest against what Petro termed a ‘genocide’ in Gaza, likening it to Nazi Germany atrocities.

Under Petro’s leadership, Colombia supported South Africa’s case against Israel at the United Nations’ highest court. The case accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, a claim Israel has strongly denied. Israel has accused South Africa of acting as a legal proxy for the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The cut in relations required Colombia to seek alternative security providers, as its military relies on Israeli-made combat aircraft and rifles to fight drug cartels and insurgent groups. De la Espriella, receiving backing from former U.S. President Donald Trump, aims to prioritize strengthening cooperation with the United States and restoring ties with Israel.

“The historic relationship broken by the Petro administration will be rebuilt. Colombia will regain its allies, diplomatic reputation, and status as a reliable global partner,” De la Espriella stated in an official announcement. The designated foreign minister, Omar Bula, met with Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar in Washington. They discussed plans for the immediate and full restoration of diplomatic and economic relations starting August 7.

Plans include appointing ambassadors, abolishing visa requirements reciprocally, and opening Colombia’s embassy in Jerusalem. Following the diplomatic break, Colombia initially announced an embassy in Ramallah, a Palestinian territory. Petro also appointed an ambassador to the Palestinian regions.

Petro has opposed De la Espriella’s intentions to renew relations with Israel, stating, “Those who support genocide will be labeled as genocidal in their own country.” Tensions have arisen in the political landscape of Colombia due to this governmental transition. Petro has contested De la Espriella’s election victory, claiming fraud and naming his ally, Iván Cepeda, as the legitimate winner, accusing Israeli intelligence companies of involvement.