Diplomatic Shift Under New Government
Colombia has opened an embassy in West Jerusalem, signalling a sharp shift in its relationship with Israel under President Abelardo de la Espriella.
The opening ceremony on October 14 was attended by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar and Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, according to the Israeli Foreign Ministry. Israel said Colombia became the tenth country to establish an embassy in the city.
Reversal of Previous Policy
The move followed the restoration of diplomatic relations in August 2026. Colombia had severed ties with Israel in May 2024 under former President Gustavo Petro, who strongly opposed Israel’s war in Gaza.
The embassy opening has drawn criticism from Palestinians, who regard East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. Jerusalem’s status remains disputed internationally, and most governments have avoided locating embassies there pending a negotiated settlement.
The new Colombian government has also moved to restore broader cooperation with Israel, including a free-trade agreement suspended under Petro. The decisions mark a foreign-policy reversal and are likely to affect Colombia’s ties with Israel and its position on Palestinian issues.
