Colombia becomes the tenth country with a mission in the city as President Abelardo de la Espriella reverses his predecessor’s break with Israel.
The Colombia embassy in Jerusalem opened on Wednesday, making Colombia the tenth country to do so, Reuters reported. The step completes a policy reversal by President Abelardo de la Espriella, who also restored a free trade agreement between the two countries. It marks a new chapter in Colombia Israel relations after a two year break.
What Happened at the Colombia Embassy in Jerusalem Opening
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and visiting Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar attended the inauguration, The Media Line reported. Al Jazeera reported that Bula said relations “should never have been broken.” VINnews reported that the embassy is led by Ambassador Tania Gilinski.
Israel National News reported that Saar said the president had made a promise long before his election and kept it. The Times of Israel reported that the other countries with embassies in Jerusalem are the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Fiji, Somaliland and Nauru. Reuters noted that most countries keep their embassies in Tel Aviv, while Palestinians seek East Jerusalem as the capital of a future state.
Colombia Israel Relations After Two Years of Rupture
According to Reuters, former President Gustavo Petro closed Colombia’s embassy in Tel Aviv and recalled its ambassador. Israel called that move antisemitic. Asharq Al-Awsat reported that Petro cut ties in May 2024 over Israel’s actions in Gaza.
AFP reported that de la Espriella won the runoff by less than a percentage point. In July, Saar and Bula, then the foreign minister designate, agreed in Washington to restore relations, according to Ground News, which summarised i24NEWS. Ynet reported that formal ties resumed after de la Espriella took office in August. Cambio Colombia reported that Colombia took its mission out of Jerusalem in 1980 after a United Nations resolution.
For wider coverage, see our earlier coverage on UAE Opening Embassy in Herzliya Near Tel Aviv.
Free Trade Agreement and Golan Heights Recognition
Reuters reported that the restored free trade agreement had been ended under Petro. Israel National News reported that Colombia also recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, becoming the second country after the United States to do so, and agreed to end visa requirements. The Jerusalem Post reported that the Arab League said the Golan declaration had no legal effect, while the Gulf Cooperation Council called it null and void. AFP also reported that Colombia is set to withdraw support for South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
Reaction From the Palestinian Authority and the OIC
Al Jazeera reported that the Palestinian Authority condemned the Jerusalem embassy move as a violation of international legitimacy resolutions. Al Jazeera also reported that protesters marched in Bogota on October 7 against the government’s Israel policy. In July, ahead of the opening, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation called the plan a “regrettable departure” from Colombia’s historic position, and cited UN Security Council Resolutions 476 and 478.
Will Another Country Open an Embassy in Jerusalem?
Al Jazeera reported that Saar said the Democratic Republic of the Congo would open its embassy in Jerusalem “very soon” and hinted at another opening. No dates have been confirmed. rge.
FAQs
When did the Colombia embassy in Jerusalem open?
It opened on October 14, 2026, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.
Why did Colombia open an embassy in Jerusalem?
President Abelardo de la Espriella promised during his campaign to rebuild Colombia Israel relations and move the embassy, according to The Media Line.
Which countries have an embassy in Jerusalem?
Colombia joins the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Fiji, Somaliland and Nauru, the Times of Israel reported.
Did Colombia restore its free trade agreement with Israel?
Yes. Reuters reported that the Colombia Israel free trade agreement was restored on October 14.
Who is Omar Bula Escobar?
He is Colombia’s foreign minister, who led the delegation to the Jerusalem embassy opening.