Colombia opens embassy in Jerusalem after restoring Israeli ties

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 19:02 · Archive

Colombia has opened an embassy in Jerusalem after President Abelardo de la Espriella restored diplomatic relations with Israel.

Colombia opened an embassy in Jerusalem on Wednesday, marking a reversal of its previous stance on Israel. President Abelardo de la Espriella restored diplomatic ties that his predecessor, Gustavo Petro, had severed in 2024 over Israel's military operations in Gaza. Petro had accused Israel of genocide and compared its actions to Nazi concentration camps. Israel rejected these allegations and condemned Colombia's decision to break off relations.

The two countries first established diplomatic relations in 1957 and have maintained close security ties, with Colombia using Israeli-made rifles and fighter-bombers. Restoring relations became a priority for de la Espriella's government after he took office with backing from U.S. President Donald Trump. Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula said the embassy represented 'our determination to restore dialogue, strengthen mutual trust and build an agenda that delivers tangible benefits to our citizens'. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar called it 'a day of celebration for Israel-Colombia relations, and for Jerusalem, our capital'.

Colombia appointed Tania Gilinski Bacal as ambassador to Israel in early October, tasking her with strengthening trade ties and cooperation on security, intelligence, cybersecurity and information sharing. Trump recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital in 2017, and since then nine foreign governments have followed suit, including several Latin American countries. The Palestinians claim east Jerusalem as the capital of a future state.

How it is being reported

• Colombia opens an embassy in Jerusalem after restoring diplomatic ties with IsraelColombia has opened an embassy in Jerusalem, marking a significant shift in its relations with Israel.Clickorlando · 14 Oct, 18:30
• Colombia opens an embassy in Jerusalem after restoring diplomatic ties with IsraelColombia has opened an embassy in Jerusalem, marking a significant shift in its relations with Israel.News4Jax · 14 Oct, 18:30

In this story: Colombia · Israel · Abelardo de la Espriella · Gustavo Petro · Donald Trump · Gideon Sa'ar · Omar Bula · Jerusalem

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