Right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella defeated the left-wing challenger in a tight race early Monday, according to Colombian electoral authorities. He has pledged to move Colombia's embassy to Jerusalem and restore ties severed under outgoing President Gustavo Petro.
Abelardo de la Espriella, the right-wing pro-Israel candidate, has won Colombia's presidential election, defeating his left-wing opponent in a close race, according to electoral results reported early Monday morning. De la Espriella has pledged to move Colombia's embassy to Jerusalem and restore diplomatic ties severed by outgoing President Gustavo Petro.
As The Zioneer reported earlier Monday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar congratulated de la Espriella on his victory and invited him to Jerusalem, expressing hope for restored and elevated relations. De la Espriella's win follows a campaign in which he openly advocated for closer ties with Israel, contrasting with Petro's policies.
Petro has refused to recognize the election result, alleging Israeli interference — a claim for which no evidence has been presented. The election outcome is seen as a significant diplomatic shift for Israel-Latin America relations. De la Espriella’s precise inauguration date and the timeline for the embassy move have not yet been announced.
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