Colombia recognizes so-called “Israeli sovereignty” over Golan Heights
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Colombia has become only the second country in the world to formally recognize ‘Israeli’ sovereignty over the Golan Heights, following the United States’ 2019 decision under President Donald Trump.
The announcement, issued by Bogotá’s Foreign Ministry, just days after the inauguration of new President Abelardo de la Espriella, marks a sharp break with the long-standing international consensus that the strategic plateau remains occupied Syrian territory.
In its official statement, the Colombian government cited “persistent regional instability in the Middle East” and “the strategic importance of the Golan Heights to Israel’s security.”
It declared: “The Government of Colombia recognizes Israeli sovereignty over this territory, as well as Israel’s right to protect itself against external threats.”
Bogotá further asserted that “maintaining Israel’s control and sovereignty over the Golan Heights is an essential component of its national defense and its ability to protect and safeguard its citizens.”
The ministry claimed the decision reaffirmed Colombia’s commitment to a “stable and lasting peace” in the region.
‘Israeli’ Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar quickly welcomed the step as a “historic decision.”
Thanking President de la Espriella and Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar, Sa’ar wrote: “With this, the President of Colombia has demonstrated, in one of his first decisions in office, his leadership, his values, and his commitment to Israel and Israel’s security.”
He added that “Israel is a small country without strategic depth. Having defensible borders is essential for Israel in order to guarantee the existence of the Jewish people in its historic homeland,” and vowed to encourage more nations to follow suit.
The Golan Heights were captured by ‘Israel’ from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War and effectively annexed through the extension of ‘Israeli’ law in 1981.
United Nations Security Council Resolution 497 declared that annexation “null and void and without international legal effect.”
The overwhelming majority of the international community, including the United Nations and the European Union, continues to regard the territory as Syrian land under Israeli occupation.
Colombia’s recognition therefore stands in direct opposition to decades of established legal and diplomatic positions.
The timing of the announcement has drawn quiet criticism.
It came mere hours after a powerful earthquake struck Colombia, killing more than 100 people, and formed part of a rapid package of pro-‘Israel’ measures by the new right-wing administration, including plans to relocate the Colombian embassy to Jerusalem and fully restore diplomatic ties severed under former President Gustavo Petro.
Critics note that endorsing the unilateral annexation of territory seized by force risks undermining the principle against the acquisition of land through conquest—a cornerstone of the post-World War II international order.
