Israel and Colombia Restore Diplomatic Ties Under President de la Espriella

Colombia and Israel are restoring diplomatic and economic ties ahead of the inauguration ceremony of incoming Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar arrived in Colombia for the inaugural event and met with de la Espriella in Barranquilla, describing the incoming Colombian leader as a determined, inspiring leader and a friend of the Jewish people and the State of Israel.

Restoration of Diplomatic Ties Ahead of Inauguration

The diplomatic reset reverses a break in relations that occurred in 2024 under former Colombian President Gustavo Petro. During his tenure, Petro severed ties after accusing Israel of genocide during its military campaign against Hamas in Gaza, linked Israel to Nazi tactics in Latin America, restricted defense partnerships, and imposed a complete ban on Colombian coal exports to Israel. Under the incoming administration, the historic relationship unilaterally broken by the Petro government is being restored, with senior Colombian officials expressing strong support for Israel and intent to expand cooperation.

High-Level Meetings and Institutional Rebuilding

During his visit, Gideon Sa’ar met with Colombian Vice President José Manuel Restrepo, incoming Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar, and other senior ministers from the newly appointed government. Officials in attendance included the ministers of defense, finance, justice, trade and industry, and environment. The planned reset was previously outlined following a mid-July meeting in Washington between Sa’ar and Bula Escobar.

Israel moved first on diplomatic representation by securing government approval to appoint veteran diplomat Vivian Aisen as ambassador to Colombia. Because the Israeli mission in Bogotá continued operating as a consulate after relations were severed, restoring it to embassy status can be accomplished quickly. Next steps are expected to include naming Colombia’s ambassador, restoring military and police attachés, and expanding security cooperation.

Security, Trade, and Strategic Objectives

Security cooperation is expected to form a substantial area of renewed collaboration. Incoming President de la Espriella has stated a desire to access new weapons, drones, and artificial intelligence from Israel and the United States. Alberto Spektorowski, a lecturer in political science at Tel Aviv University, noted that Israeli technology could assist Colombia in addressing narcotics trafficking, organized crime, and armed groups operating across parts of the country.

Israel and Colombia Restore Diplomatic Ties Under President de la Espriella — Photo: The Media Line

The incoming government also plans to exchange ambassadors, lift visa requirements, pursue a Colombian embassy in Jerusalem, and withdraw Colombia’s intervention in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. However, the embassy announcement remains a political commitment rather than a completed transfer, with its exact location, budget, and opening date not yet disclosed. Furthermore, the incoming administration has not announced any reversal of Colombia’s 2018 recognition of a Palestinian state.

Secretary Rubio meets with Colombian Vice President-Elect José Manuel Restrepo

While the incoming administration moves forward with its strategic realignment, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemned the planned embassy move, warning that it could harm Colombia’s relations with its 57 member states, describing it as contrary to United Nations resolutions governing Jerusalem’s status, and urging the administration to maintain support for a two-state solution.

Describing the diplomatic transition as the start of a golden era in bilateral relations, Sa’ar stated during the visit, Not only will we rebuild our ties, but we will take them to new heights. Vice President José Manuel Restrepo echoed this sentiment, stating, For Colombia, 2026 will be marked by the deepening and strengthening of its relationship with the State of Israel.