Colombia’s right-wing presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, described as strongly pro-Israel, won the country’s presidential election, according to the article. His victory is expected to end the rule of leftist President Gustavo Petro, who severed ties with Israel, and to restore diplomatic relations between Jerusalem and Bogotá immediately.
De la Espriella, nicknamed “El Tigre,” campaigned on reversing Petro’s decision and renewing relations with Israel, while also strengthening Colombia’s strategic alliance with the United States. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar welcomed the result, saying, “The tiger has won, Colombia has won,” and congratulating his “friend” on what he called a “remarkable” victory.
Saar said Israel looks forward to working with the president-elect to revive ties between the two countries and bring them “to an all-time high.” He also invited de la Espriella to visit Israel and said he hoped to receive him in Jerusalem very soon.
Official results released after most of the votes were counted showed the right-wing populist candidate leading his rival by just 1%. The outcome marks the end of the socialist left’s period in power under Petro, whose government took an openly anti-Israel line and broke off relations entirely.
The left has not accepted the result. Senator Iván Cepeda said he intends to appeal the outcome in tens of thousands of polling stations nationwide, arguing that the vote count should not be considered complete until the entire tallying process is finished.
