Colombia Recognizes Israeli Sovereignty Over Golan Heights Following Government Shift

Colombia officially recognized Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights on Monday, citing the region's strategic importance to Israel's security amid ongoing instability in the Middle East. The Colombian government emphasized Israel's right and ability to defend itself and its citizens against external threats. This announcement followed a visit by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar to Colombia over the weekend for the inauguration of Colombia's new president, Iván Duque's successor, Abelardo de la Espriella, a known friend of Israel. Sa'ar called the recognition a "historic decision" and expressed gratitude to both President de la Espriella and Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bola Escobar.

The statement highlighted Israel's decades-long security challenges along its borders, which have intensified in recent years, culminating in the October 7 terrorist attack that underscored the evolving nature of threats facing Israel. Sa'ar stressed Israel's need for defensible borders to ensure the survival of the Jewish people in their historic homeland and pledged to continue efforts to encourage other countries to follow the U.S. and Colombia in recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which has been under Israeli law for 45 years.

This move is part of a broader warming of Israel-Colombia relations, including the immediate restoration of full diplomatic ties, appointment of ambassadors, relocation of Colombia's embassy to Jerusalem, visa waiver agreements, resumption of a free trade agreement, Colombia's withdrawal from a South African-led lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice, and commitments to deepen political, security, and economic cooperation.

Earlier Monday, Sa'ar expressed solidarity with Colombia following a recent earthquake and offered Israel's assistance. The strengthening of ties with Colombia is part of Sa'ar's wider strategy to enhance Israel's relations with Latin American countries, designating 2026 as the "Latin America Year" for focused diplomatic engagement.

Colombia had been a key U.S. ally and supporter of Israel in Latin America for decades. However, under outgoing leftist President Gustavo Petro, Colombia severed diplomatic ties with Israel after the October 7 attacks, accused Israel of "genocide" against Palestinians, imposed sanctions, joined an international lawsuit against Israel, and called for a "large army to liberate Palestine." Petro's term ends in August, as the constitution bars him from seeking re-election.