Colombia
Colombia is a South American nation that has recently undergone a major diplomatic realignment toward Israel under President Abelardo de la Espriella. In August 2026, the country faced a dual crisis and opportunity: a devastating magnitude-7.4 earthquake that killed over 250 people and a historic decision to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and relocate its embassy to Jerusalem.
Colombia has emerged as a pivotal strategic partner for Israel in Latin America following the inauguration of President Abelardo de la Espriella on August 7, 2026. This transition marked a sharp reversal of the anti-Israel policies of the previous administration under Gustavo Petro, which had severed ties in mid-2024. Within days of taking office, the de la Espriella administration announced its intention to relocate the Colombian embassy to Jerusalem and restore full bilateral relations, signaling a new era of cooperation in security, trade, and diplomacy.
On August 10, 2026, Colombia became one of the few nations to formally recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, citing the plateau's strategic necessity for Israel's defense. This move was welcomed by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, who characterized 2026 as the "Year of Latin America" for Israeli diplomacy. However, the recognition drew sharp condemnation from the Syrian regime, which labeled the decision a violation of international law.
Simultaneous with these diplomatic shifts, Colombia was struck by a catastrophic magnitude-7.4 earthquake on August 10, centered in the Chocó department. The seismic event, described as the strongest to hit the country in a century, caused widespread destruction in the cities of Cali and Pereira. The death toll rose rapidly to 254 as rescue teams navigated collapsed structures and ongoing aftershocks. Among the damaged buildings was a local synagogue in Cali, highlighting the impact on the local Jewish community. In response to the disaster, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli officials expressed readiness to provide humanitarian assistance, underscoring the strengthening ties between Bogotá, Washington, and Jerusalem during this period of national emergency.