Colombian President thanks 'Israeli' PM for emergency relief
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Colombia's president resets ties with 'Israel'.
- De La Espriella speaks with Netanyahu.
- Colombia thanks 'Israel' for earthquake assistance.
- New president reverses Petro's foreign policy.
Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella announced a full diplomatic restoration with 'Israel' following a phone call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, thanking the 'Israeli' government for dispatching emergency relief teams after a devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit the country.
The exchange underlines a rapid shift in Colombia's foreign policy under De La Espriella, who took office shortly before the disaster and campaigned on rebuilding traditional ties with both Washington and Tel Aviv.
In a public statement shared on X, President De La Espriella detailed the bilateral exchange.
Tuve una conversación muy cálida y enriquecedora con el primer ministro de Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu.
— Abelardo De La Espriella (@ABDELAESPRIELLA) August 15, 2026
Le agradecí profundamente por toda la ayuda humanitaria y por los rescatistas que Israel ha enviado a Colombia en estos momentos tan difíciles.
Este es un nuevo tiempo para…
The cordial dialogue represents a dramatic departure from the stance taken by former President Gustavo Petro, who severed diplomatic ties with 'Israel' in 2024 over the war in Gaza and suspended military and trade agreements.
Under De La Espriella, the new administration accepted 'Israeli' urban search-and-rescue teams into hard-hit disaster zones near Cali and Pereira.
Beyond disaster response, the administration has indicated plans to renew military cooperation, restore security agreements, and expand economic ties with 'Israel' in the coming months.
