Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Colombia's incoming Foreign Minister Omar Bola Escobar finalized an agreement on Wednesday evening to fully renew diplomatic and economic relations and open Colombia's embassy in Jerusalem, with immediate mutual appointment of ambassadors, according to N12.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Colombia's incoming Foreign Minister Omar Bola Escobar concluded an agreement Wednesday evening to fully renew diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries and open Colombia's embassy in Jerusalem, with the immediate reciprocal appointment of ambassadors. The agreement, reported by N12's Tomer Almagor, marks the first concrete step by the new Colombian administration toward restoring ties severed under outgoing President Gustavo Petro.
The Zioneer reported earlier this evening (20:40 Jerusalem) that Colombia would proceed with opening an embassy in Jerusalem, following the election of President Abelardo de la Espriella on June 21. De la Espriella pledged during his campaign to move the embassy, a commitment he reiterated in a phone call with FM Sa'ar shortly after his victory. The June 24 article by The Zioneer noted that de la Espriella vowed to rebuild and strengthen ties "as never before."
Colombia's shift from a hostile posture under Petro — who severed relations in June 2024 after Israel's military operation in Gaza — to a full diplomatic alliance represents a strategic realignment. The new administration's right-wing, pro-Israel orientation signals a broader change in Latin American diplomatic currents regarding Jerusalem.
The agreement between the two foreign ministers now clears the way for the embassy's establishment and the appointment of ambassadors. The timeline for the embassy's physical opening has not yet been specified, but the announcement carries immediate political weight.
4 developments
- DevelopingIsrael publishes tender for new ambassador to Colombia, restoring ties after severance
- StrongColombia's new president announces first act: opening embassy in Jerusalem
- StrongColombia President de la Espriella reinforces pledge for 'stronger than ever' Israel ties
- DevelopingColombia president-elect de la Espriella vows no ties with nations disrespecting democracy
Source and signal
- Internal intake