Colombia, which previously joined the lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice, is now on track to open an embassy in Jerusalem, according to Israeli media reports. The shift follows the election of a new government in Bogotá that has pledged to restore full diplomatic ties with Israel.
Colombia is on track to open an embassy in Jerusalem, President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella announced Monday, marking a sharp reversal from the policies of the previous administration under Gustavo Petro. The announcement, reported by Israeli media, is part of a broader diplomatic overhaul that includes suspending plans for a Palestinian embassy in Colombia, closing 14 embassies, and severing diplomatic relations with Cuba and Nicaragua.
The move follows months of signals from the incoming government. As The Zioneer reported on July 16, Colombia's incoming foreign minister informed Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar that the country would open an embassy in Jerusalem. A day later, on July 17, the designated foreign minister Omar Bula Escobar publicly pledged at a summit in Washington to renew full diplomatic ties, move the embassy, and withdraw from the International Court of Justice lawsuit against Israel.
The shift aligns with a broader regional trend. As The Zioneer reported on June 22, following de la Espriella's election victory, Foreign Minister Sa'ar congratulated him and invited him to Israel. Analysts cited by The Zioneer noted that much of South America is shifting toward administrations that prioritize strong ties with Jerusalem, with the exception of Brazil.
The timeline for the embassy opening has not been specified. The new government is expected to take office in early August, according to earlier reports.
8 developments
- StrongColombia's incoming foreign minister pledges to renew ties with Israel, move embassy to Jerusalem
- DevelopingColombia's incoming foreign minister tells Israel: embassy will open in Jerusalem
- StrongColombia's new president announces first act: opening embassy in Jerusalem
- DevelopingIsrael publishes tender for new ambassador to Colombia, restoring ties after severance
Source and signal
- Open-source intake