Colombia opened its embassy in Jerusalem on October 14, 2026, becoming the 10th country to do so, as President Abelardo de la Espriella reversed his predecessor’s decision to sever ties with Israel over the Gaza war.
Colombia’s decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem marked a dramatic shift in its foreign policy. President Abelardo de la Espriella’s government restored diplomatic relations with Israel after his left-wing predecessor, Gustavo Petro, had cut ties in 2024 over the war in Gaza. The move, announced during a ceremony attended by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar, positioned Colombia as the 10th nation with an embassy in the contested city, joining the United States and a handful of other U.S.-aligned states.
Colombia Shifts Foreign Policy, Restores Ties with Israel
Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar described the embassy’s opening as a concrete step toward the restoration of our diplomatic relations; a relationship that should never have been interrupted.
He emphasized Israel’s status as a strategic partner
and stated that the move would strengthen ties in areas such as trade, security, and innovation. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar echoed this sentiment, calling it an important date for the State of Israel
and celebrating the opening an embassy in Jerusalem is not only recognition of the simple political fact that Jerusalem is Israel’s capital.
The ceremony included the unveiling of the embassy’s sign and the placement of a mezuzah at its entrance, a symbolic gesture underscoring Israel’s claim to sovereignty over Jerusalem. Saar also highlighted Colombia’s commitment to recognizing Israel’s claim over the Golan Heights. Colombia stands with the truth and with Israel,
said Colombian Ambassador Tania Gilinski, who described the embassy as a concrete step toward the restoration of our diplomatic relations.
Condemnation from Palestinian and Arab Leaders
The decision faced immediate backlash from Palestinian and Arab leaders, who condemned it as a violation of international law. The Palestinian Authority accused Colombia of undermining the international consensus on the legal status of the holy city
and infringing on the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.
Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs similarly criticized the move, calling it a violation of international law and relevant international resolutions.
The Arab League reiterated its stance, stating that Colombia’s action disregards the legal and political status of East Jerusalem, which is part of the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 and the capital of the State of Palestine.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry labeled the move a flagrant violation of international law and relevant international legitimacy resolutions and a direct infringement of the legal and historical status of the occupied city
and urged the international community to take urgent action to halt the illegal Israeli policies aimed at imposing a new reality by force and undermining prospects for achieving a just and lasting peace
. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry emphasized that East Jerusalem remains the capital of a future Palestinian state, a position widely recognized by the international community.
Colombian Foreign Minister Bula Escobar addressed these criticisms during a reception at Israel’s Foreign Ministry, where he described the occasion as a historic event
and stated that Colombia stands with the truth and with Israel.
He also highlighted the country’s decision to withdraw from the Hague Group, a coalition of nations seeking to isolate Israel over its actions in Gaza.
Geopolitical Realignments in Latin America
The shift in Colombia’s policy reflects broader geopolitical realignments in Latin America, where right-wing governments have increasingly sought closer ties with Israel. Argentine President Javier Milei and other regional leaders have also pledged to move their embassies to Jerusalem, signaling a growing trend. Colombia’s new administration, which took office in August 2026, has prioritized strengthening economic and security cooperation with Israel, including the reinstatement of a free trade agreement terminated by Petro in 2025.
Israel’s annexation of East Jerusalem in 1967 remains a contentious issue, with the United Nations Security Council declaring the move “null and void” in 1980. Despite this, the U.S. and a small number of other countries have maintained embassies in Jerusalem, a decision that has drawn criticism from Palestinian and Arab states. Colombia’s move adds to this divide, highlighting the deepening rift between Israel and much of the Arab world.
The embassy opening coincided with Colombia’s formal withdrawal from the Hague Group, a coalition that had criticized Israel’s policies in Gaza. Bula Escobar described the decision as a historic event,
stating that Colombia would no longer support efforts to isolate Israel. We want to seize the future together, in agriculture, innovation and artificial intelligence,
Saar said, highlighting the potential for bilateral collaboration.
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