Israel Prepares to Appoint Ambassador to Colombia After Diplomatic Break

Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is preparing to select a new ambassador to Colombia following a diplomatic rupture earlier this year. In May 2024, outgoing Colombian President Gustavo Petro severed diplomatic ties with Israel, citing Israel's military actions in Gaza. Petro had previously compared the Israeli Defense Forces' operations in Gaza to those of the Nazis and supported South Africa's legal complaint against Israel at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. Petro is set to leave office in August due to constitutional term limits. His successor, right-wing politician Abelardo de la Espriella, known as "El Tigre," holds pro-Israel views and advocates for strengthening military and strategic alliances with both the United States and Israel. This political shift is expected to restore diplomatic relations and lead to the appointment of a new Israeli ambassador to Colombia.