Right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella is leading Colombia's presidential election, according to reports. If he wins, he is expected to restore diplomatic relations with Israel, severed by outgoing President Gustavo Petro in May 2024.
Abelardo de la Espriella, the right-wing candidate, is now leading Colombia's presidential race. According to an Israel Hayom report early Monday, he is expected to restore diplomatic relations with Israel if elected — reversing the policy of outgoing leftist President Gustavo Petro, who severed ties in May 2024.
The Zioneer first reported on this race Sunday at 22:28 Jerusalem, when de la Espriella was projected to win with 50.1% of the vote according to Israeli media exit polls. At that same time, the desk noted he had also pledged to move Colombia's embassy to Jerusalem. A further Zioneer update at 01:54 Jerusalem this morning reiterated that pledge. The latest development, reported hours later, adds the specific commitment to restore full diplomatic relations.
No official results have been announced; the race remains ongoing. The vote count is not yet complete, and the final outcome has not been certified by Colombian authorities.
4 developments
- DevelopingFormer Colombian President Gaviria endorses de la Espriella, voices trust he will uphold the 1991 constitution
- DevelopingColombia's congressional disciplinary committee suspends President Petro pending election-interference probe
- DevelopingPeru election too close to call, winner undecided
- StrongColombian president compares Israel to Nazis, Israeli envoy Danon hits back
Source and signal
- Internal intake