Colombia Withdraws Complaint Against Israel at The Hague and Plans Embassy in Jerusalem

Colombia's incoming government under President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella has announced it will withdraw its intervention in the lawsuit filed by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. This decision follows a meeting between Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Colombia's designated Foreign Minister Omar Bola Escobar, where they agreed on a roadmap for the immediate and full restoration of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The official statement from the president-elect's office emphasized Colombia's return to a responsible international stance, including within UN bodies, and the end of the previous administration's unilateral severance of ties. It declared that Colombia will regain its diplomatic voice and status as a reliable global partner. The agreement includes the immediate exchange of ambassadors, mutual visa waivers, and the promotion of opening a Colombian embassy in Jerusalem, Israel's capital, with support from Israel's Foreign Ministry. These agreements will take effect on August 7, coinciding with the new government's inauguration.

Foreign Minister Sa'ar welcomed the development, congratulating President-elect de la Espriella on his election victory and expressing eagerness to elevate Israel-Colombia relations to unprecedented levels. This diplomatic shift marks the end of the tenure of outgoing President Gustavo Petro, who had pursued a strongly anti-Israel policy and refused to recognize de la Espriella's election victory, baselessly accusing Israel of hacking Colombia's election systems.

The recent Colombian elections were marked by intense political tension, including reports of armed coercion by communist guerrillas to influence voting. Despite these challenges, de la Espriella, nicknamed "The Tiger," won and pledged to take a tough stance on crime, end peace talks with rebel groups, strengthen the oil and gas sector, and restore historic alliances with Israel and the United States, which had been severely damaged under Petro.

This Colombian move comes amid a period of increased hostile actions against Israel by some European countries, such as France's recent travel ban on Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and several settlers. Additionally, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in The Hague was suspended following a probe after issuing arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Galant. The Colombian statement concluded with a nationalist slogan, "Steadfast for the Homeland!", reflecting the new government's determination to restore Colombia's international standing.