President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella announced Tuesday that upon taking office on August 7, Colombia will restore full diplomatic relations with Israel, return ambassadors, renew security and economic cooperation, cancel visa requirements, and advance the transfer of Colombia's embassy to Jerusalem, according to the announcement.
Colombia's President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella has announced a sweeping diplomatic reset with Israel, committing to restore full diplomatic relations, reopen embassies, and advance the relocation of Colombia's embassy to Jerusalem when he takes office on August 7. The announcement, made Tuesday night, includes the return of ambassadors, the renewal of security and economic cooperation, and the cancellation of visa requirements.
The move marks a complete reversal of the policies of outgoing President Gustavo Petro, who severed ties with Israel in May 2024 and repeatedly accused Jerusalem of war crimes. De la Espriella, who won the June election on a pro-Israel platform, had previously pledged to move the embassy and has already held talks with Israeli officials. As The Zioneer reported, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar met with Colombia's foreign minister-designate in Washington in July to coordinate the restoration of relations. The new administration has also announced the closure of the Palestinian embassy in Bogotá and the opening of a Colombian mission in Jerusalem.
The incoming president's commitments extend beyond diplomacy: de la Espriella has given organized crime one month to surrender, signaling a broader security reset. For Israel, the return of a friendly government in Bogotá restores a key strategic partner in South America after two years of hostility under Petro.
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