Colombia Opens Embassy in Jerusalem, Strengthening Ties with Israel

Colombia officially inaugurated its embassy in Jerusalem on Wednesday, marking a significant step in bilateral relations with Israel. The ceremony was attended by Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa’ar and his Colombian counterpart, Omar Bula Escobar. Minister Sa’ar noted that this is the tenth foreign embassy to be established in the city. During the event, both ministers unveiled the embassy's plaque, and Sa’ar affixed a mezuzah to the entrance.

"This is a day of celebration for the relations between Israel and Colombia, as well as for Jerusalem, our capital," stated the Israeli diplomat. Escobar described the inauguration as a concrete move towards restoring ties between the two nations, emphasizing, "Israel is a strategic partner. It always has been and will be even more so now." Diplomatic relations between the countries were re-established in August 2026, following a rupture in 2024.

Minister Sa’ar praised the Colombian President, Abelardo de la Espriella, for fulfilling a campaign promise to transfer the embassy to Jerusalem if elected. The Israeli minister viewed this decision as an acknowledgment of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Following the inauguration, the two foreign ministers were scheduled to hold further discussions during a bilateral meeting at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Escobar's visit underscores Bogota's intention to boost cooperation with Israel, particularly in security, trade, and innovation.