Colombia Withdraws From Hague Group, Signaling Major Shift in Israel Relations

Colombia has announced its withdrawal from the Hague Group, an international body it helped co-chair, marking a significant shift in its foreign policy and a dramatic improvement in relations with Israel. The Colombian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Omar Bula, stated, "Colombia has officially requested its withdrawal from the Hague Group, a group created to isolate and attack Israel. We reject this approach." The Hague Group, established in January 2025, aims to coordinate diplomatic and legal actions concerning the Gaza war and enforce international legal decisions related to Israel. Colombia had played a notable role in this initiative under former President Gustavo Petro.

This move signifies a clear change in direction since the inauguration of President Abelardo de la Espriella. Following his election, Colombia restored diplomatic ties with Israel, which had been severed in 2024 by Petro's administration. The new government also withdrew Colombia's intervention in the case brought by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice in September.

Since then, Bogotá has taken several steps to strengthen its relationship with Israel. In August, the Colombian government recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. On October 14, Colombia officially opened its embassy in Jerusalem, and a free trade agreement between the two nations has been reactivated. President De la Espriella had met with Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa’ar in August, prior to his inauguration, to discuss the full restoration of bilateral relations.

The withdrawal from the Hague Group is part of a broader reorientation of Colombia's Middle East policy, moving away from the period of significant tension with Jerusalem during Gustavo Petro's presidency.