Colombia President-elect Pledges to Restore Ties with Israel

Colombia's President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella announced a comprehensive plan to restore diplomatic and economic relations with Israel upon his inauguration on August 7, 2026. The reset was formalized during a meeting in Washington between Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Colombia's incoming Foreign Minister, Omar Bula Escobar.

The roadmap includes the immediate exchange of ambassadors, the mutual elimination of travel visa requirements, and the resumption of coal exports and Israeli arms imports. Most notably, the incoming administration intends to open a Colombian embassy in Jerusalem, recognizing it as Israel's capital. De la Espriella also confirmed that Colombia will withdraw its intervention in the genocide case brought by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

These actions reverse the policies of outgoing President Gustavo Petro, who severed diplomatic ties in May 2024 and accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. President Petro criticized the upcoming transition, labeling De la Espriella an "accomplice to genocide." The Organization of Islamic Cooperation also condemned the plan, stating that opening an embassy in Jerusalem violates UN resolutions and undermines Colombia's historical support for Palestinian rights.