Colombia’s New President Swears In Amid Massive Security and Strengthens Ties with Israel

On Friday, Colombia inaugurated its new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, in a highly secured ceremony held in Cali, a city known for violence and armed groups. Approximately 11,000 soldiers and police officers were deployed throughout the city to protect the president, guests, and the event itself. Security measures included roadblocks, vehicle inspections, and airspace protection with Israeli-made IAI Kfir fighter jets, helicopters, and anti-drone systems operated by the Colombian Air and Space Force.

The inauguration was not only a political event but also a display of military power and a signal of a new direction for Colombia. President de la Espriella declared a historic reset in Colombia’s relations with Israel, announcing plans to fully restore diplomatic ties and relocate Colombia’s embassy to Jerusalem. This move aligns Colombia with Argentina, whose president Javier Milei attended the ceremony and was warmly welcomed.

A significant moment during the event was a personal blessing from Colombia’s chief rabbi, who prayed for the president’s courage, wisdom, and leadership, invoking biblical heroes and concluding with a call for peace and security between Colombia and Israel. De la Espriella, nicknamed "The Tiger," delivered a tough message against criminal and narco-terrorist groups, declaring the end of negotiations and warning that these groups must either submit to the law or face a resolute state response. His campaign rhetoric included vows to eliminate these groups "like cockroaches" and to unleash "the wrath of God."

With his inauguration, Colombia embarks on a new path marked by conservatism, faith, and close alliances with the West and Israel. The president emphasized that the rules have changed, and order and authority have been restored to the country.