Israel Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar Visits Ecuador and Colombia

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar began a diplomatic tour of South America on August 5, 2026, visiting Ecuador and Colombia to strengthen Israel's regional ties. In Ecuador, Sa'ar addressed the National Assembly and met with local Jewish leaders, marking the first visit by an Israeli foreign minister to the country in 44 years.

Sa'ar is scheduled to represent Israel in Colombia on Friday for the inauguration of President Abelardo de la Espriella. The visit follows a recent agreement between Sa'ar and Colombia's designated foreign minister, Omar Bula Escobar, to relocate the Colombian embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.

Sa'ar described the mission as a systematic diplomatic effort intended to benefit Israel economically, diplomatically, and through tourism. He emphasized a desire to deepen cooperation with Ecuador in sectors including counterterrorism, innovation, agriculture, and trade.