Colombia recognizes Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights in sharp break from Petro
Colombia has officially recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, marking a significant shift in foreign policy under new President Abelardo de la Espriella. This move reverses the stance of his predecessor and aims to strengthen diplomatic ties with Israel.
Why it matters
This decision represents a rare international alignment with Israel on a contested territory and signals a major geopolitical pivot for Colombia in the Middle East.
Colombia on Monday recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, becoming one of the few countries to do so as newly inaugurated President Abelardo de la Espriella moves rapidly to reverse the policies of his predecessor, Gustavo Petro, and rebuild Colombia’s once-close relationship with Israel. The announcement came just three days after De la Espriella, a staunch supporter of Israel who has promised a sweeping change in Colombian foreign policy, was sworn in as president Friday. It followed a visit to Colombia by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who attended De la Espriella’s inauguration and met with the new president in Barranquilla on Thursday, a day before he formally took office.
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