Colombia Reopens Embassy in Jerusalem After Diplomatic Break

This opening marks the tenth foreign embassy established in Jerusalem, doubling the five that were operational when Sa'ar took office less than two years ago. Sa'ar revealed that Israel has also reached an agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo to establish an eleventh embassy in the city. Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, who succeeded Gustavo Petro, fulfilled a pre-election promise to relocate the embassy to Jerusalem.

Diplomatic ties between the two nations had been severed in May 2024 by former President Petro in protest of the war in Gaza, which also led to the cancellation of a bilateral free trade agreement. Under President de la Espriella, relations were officially resumed in August 2026. The renewal follows several agreements, including visa exemptions, Colombia's recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, its withdrawal from South Africa's case at the International Court of Justice, and the nullification of the decision to end the free trade agreement.

Colombian Foreign Minister Escobar stated that relations should never have been severed and described Israel as a strategic partner. The Colombian Foreign Ministry indicated that the renewed ties aim to expand cooperation in security, defense, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, technology transfer, investment, and trade. Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion hailed the embassy opening as an important and brave step that strengthens the city's international standing, urging other nations to follow suit.