Colombia Opens Embassy in Jerusalem, Foreign Minister Declares City Israel's Indivisible Capital

Colombia officially inaugurated its embassy in Jerusalem on Wednesday, October 14th. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a celebratory reception that evening to mark the diplomatic milestone. According to the ministry, Colombia is now the tenth country to establish its primary diplomatic mission in Jerusalem.

The event was attended by senior Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and foreign dignitaries. Among those present were Colombia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Omar Bola Escobar, Mayor of Jerusalem Moshe Leon, Colombian Ambassador to Israel Tania Gylinski, and Israeli Ambassador to Colombia Vivian Eisen.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar highlighted his priority of increasing the number of foreign missions in Jerusalem, noting that the number of embassies in the city has doubled during his tenure. He referenced a campaign promise by Colombian President, whom Saar met in Buenos Aires in November 2025. De la the President of Colombia fulfilled his pledge to move the diplomatic mission just two months after taking office.

Saar also acknowledged the contributions of Prime Minister Netanyahu and former U.S. President Donald Trump, whose decision to open the American embassy in May 2018 initiated the international recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Addressing the diplomatic challenges facing Israel, Saar stated that the campaign against the country is "based on lies and denial, denial of our rights to our land and our capital." He asserted that Israel's diplomatic struggle is also a fight for historical truth, emphasizing that while many have ruled Jerusalem, only the Jewish people have made it their capital.

Saar further commented on the city's international status, referencing the recent closure of the British consulate in Jerusalem and statements by the British Foreign Secretary regarding the eastern part of the city. He recalled the 1917 Balfour Declaration, which he said viewed all of Jerusalem as part of the national home for the Jewish people. Saar affirmed that Israel will not relinquish its rights to the city, which will remain its undivided capital. He concluded by calling Colombia a strategic partner and reaffirming Israel's commitment to strengthening ties with Bogotá.