‘Israel’, Colombia agree to restore ties after Gaza rift
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‘Israel’ and Colombia’s incoming government have agreed to fully restore diplomatic relations, more than two years after ties were severed amid sharp disagreements over the ‘Israeli’ assault on Gaza.
The ‘Israeli’ Foreign Ministry announced the development on Wednesday, stating that Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Colombia’s incoming Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar met in Washington and agreed to “fully reestablish diplomatic and economic relations” and exchange ambassadors.
Colombian President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, who is set to take office in August, has been a driving force behind the reconciliation.
In a phone call with ‘Israeli’ President Isaac Herzog, the two leaders agreed to advance the restoration of full ties.
De la Espriella has also signaled plans to open a Colombian embassy in Jerusalem and lift visa requirements for bilateral travel.
Relations between the two countries, which dated back to 1957, deteriorated sharply under outgoing left-wing President Gustavo Petro.
In May 2024, Petro announced the severance of diplomatic ties, accusing ‘Israel’ of committing a genocide in Gaza—an allegation ‘Israel’ strongly rejects.
Petro’s government took further steps, including expelling remaining ‘Israeli’ diplomats in October 2025 and suspending a 2020 free trade agreement.
‘Israel’ responded by halting security exports to Colombia, which had long relied on ‘Israeli’ military equipment and technology.
De la Espriella, a far-right political newcomer who won the June 2026 presidential runoff, wasted little time signaling a policy reversal.
Shortly after his victory, he told ‘Israeli’ Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar in a social media exchange: “Colombia will restore and strengthen its relationship with the State of Israel like never before. Israel can count on Colombia as a loyal friend and steadfast ally.”
Sa’ar responded, calling de la Espriella “a true friend of the Jewish people and the state of Israel” and expressing hope that the alliance would be “stronger than ever.”
