The newly elected president of Colombia, Abelardo de la Espriella, announced plans to reverse Colombia’s intervention in the case brought by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice. This move is part of his administration’s initiative to restore diplomatic relations with Israel once he assumes office.
De la Espriella will take office on August 7, succeeding Gustavo Petro. Petro had earlier severed diplomatic ties with Israel in protest against what he termed a ‘genocide’ in the Gaza Strip, likening it to actions of Nazi Germany.
Under Petro’s leadership, Colombia supported South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of ‘genocide’ against Palestinians in Gaza. Israel has rejected these accusations and criticized South Africa for acting on behalf of the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
The diplomatic break with Israel required Colombia to find new security suppliers, as its military has been relying on Israeli-made equipment to combat drug cartels and rebel groups. De la Espriella, with the support of U.S. President Donald Trump, is prioritizing cooperation with the United States and the restoration of relations with Israel in his foreign policy agenda.
“The historic relationship that was unilaterally broken by Petro’s government will be strengthened. Colombia will regain its allies, restore its diplomatic reputation, and reclaim its position as a reliable partner globally,” De la Espriella stated in a release.
The designated foreign minister, Omar Bula, met with Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar in Washington to finalize plans for fully restoring diplomatic and economic relations starting on August 7. The plan involves appointing ambassadors, mutually waiving visa requirements, and opening Colombia’s embassy in Jerusalem.
Previously, after breaking diplomatic ties with Israel, Colombia had announced the opening of an embassy in Ramallah, a Palestinian territory under Israeli occupation, and Petro appointed an ambassador there.
Petro expressed disapproval of De la Espriella’s decision to renew ties with Israel, warning, “He who supports genocide will become a genocidaire in their own country,” on the platform X.
The transition of power has led to political tensions in Colombia. Petro has contested De la Espriella’s election victory, claiming electoral fraud with alleged involvement of ‘private Israeli intelligence companies,’ and instead recognized Iván Cepeda as the winner.
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