Colombia to Open Embassy in Jerusalem on Wednesday

Colombia will open an embassy in Jerusalem on Wednesday, marking the 10th country to establish a diplomatic mission in Israel’s capital. This decision reflects a significant shift in Colombia’s foreign policy under President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, who assumed office two months ago. The move aims to restore bilateral ties with Israel, which were severed by the previous administration under President Gustavo Petro due to the war against Hamas in Gaza.

The decision aligns with a broader right-wing trend in Latin America, where several nations are strengthening diplomatic and economic relations with the United States and Israel. Colombia’s restoration of diplomatic and economic relations with Israel occurred in August, following the inauguration of the new government. This reversal ended a two-year freeze on ties initiated by the previous administration.

Colombia has also become the second country, after the United States, to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. This recognition underscores the growing diplomatic alignment between Colombia and Israel, despite historical tensions and differing political stances.

Nine countries currently maintain embassies in Jerusalem: the United States, Fiji, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, and Somaliland. All other nations with diplomatic relations with Israel keep their embassies in Tel Aviv or its suburbs. Colombia’s decision to establish an embassy in Jerusalem follows the precedent set by U.S. President Donald Trump, who moved the American embassy to Jerusalem during his first term, prompting other countries to consider similar moves.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is anticipated to be the next country to relocate its embassy to Jerusalem. Additionally, Argentine President Javier Milei and Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, a leading candidate in the upcoming Brazilian presidential race, have both expressed intentions to move their countries’ embassies to Israel’s capital. These developments highlight a growing international recognition of Jerusalem’s status as Israel’s capital, reflecting shifting geopolitical dynamics and diplomatic priorities.

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