Colombia Quits Anti-Israel Bloc, Opens Embassy in Jerusalem

Colombia's Foreign Minister, Omar Bolivar Escobar, declared on Wednesday that his country is withdrawing from the "Hague Group," an organization of nations that have pursued political, legal, and economic actions against Israel. Speaking at a reception at the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem following the inauguration of Colombia's embassy in the city, Escobar called the event "historic" and stated, "I am almost in tears from this event." He emphasized that Colombia stands with truth and Israel, condemning the October 7th massacre as a "barbaric attack by heinous murderers from a culture of death." Escobar also announced he had granted Colombian citizenship to an Israeli hostage survivor, Elkanah Bohbot, whom he met the previous day. He criticized the previous Colombian government for failing to condemn terrorism and fostering antisemitism.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the ceremony, noting that no Israeli prime minister had visited south of Texas in the 70 years of Israel's history, a situation he aimed to rectify with recent visits to Colombia, Argentina, and Mexico. He expressed a desire to build a shared future with Colombia in areas like agriculture, innovation, and AI, highlighting a "deep sympathy" between the two peoples.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar welcomed the opening of the 10th embassy in Jerusalem, framing the diplomatic struggle as one for historical truth. He asserted that the campaign against Israel is based on lies and denial of its rights to its land and capital, and affirmed that Israel will not relinquish its rights to Jerusalem, which will remain its "united capital."

The event was attended by Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, Colombian Ambassador to Israel Tania Gylinski, Israeli Ambassador to Colombia Vivian Eisen, and diplomatic staff. The article notes that relations between the two countries were renewed following the election of Abelardo de la Espriella, succeeding the "antagonistic" President Gustavo Petro.