Colombia Recognizes Israel's Sovereignty Over the Golan Heights

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs published a statement today, Monday, confirming that Colombia recognizes Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights. This historic decision was reached following the visit of Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar to Colombia this past weekend for the inauguration of the new president and friend of Israel, Abelardo de la Espriella. During the visit, the Foreign Minister met with the president in Barranquilla, a meeting that led to this extraordinary diplomatic achievement.

In its official statement, the government of Colombia determined that, in view of ongoing regional instability in the Middle East and the strategic importance of the Golan Heights to Israel's security, it recognizes Israel's sovereignty over the territory and its right to self-defense. Colombia clarified that security threats to Israel have intensified significantly in recent years, reaching a peak during the horrific terrorist attack of October 7, which highlights the importance of control over the Golan.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar thanked the President of Colombia for his historic decision, noting that Israel is a small country lacking strategic depth, and that defensible borders are essential to ensure the existence of the Jewish people in their homeland. Sa'ar also thanked his counterpart, Foreign Minister Omar Bola Escobar, for the professional cooperation and declared that he would continue working to ensure other nations join the USA and Colombia in recognizing Israel's sovereignty over the Golan.

This move joins a series of developments in bilateral relations, including the full and immediate renewal of diplomatic ties, the appointment of ambassadors, the relocation of the embassy to Jerusalem, the cancellation of visa requirements, and a return to a free trade agreement. Furthermore, it was agreed that Colombia would withdraw from South Africa's lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and from the "Hague group," alongside the strengthening of political, security, and economic ties.

Additionally, Foreign Minister Sa'ar spoke today with Omar Bola Escobar to express deep solidarity with Colombia following the severe earthquake that struck the country, offering the full assistance of the State of Israel. This diplomatic rapprochement is part of a broader initiative led by Minister Sa'ar to deepen ties with Latin American countries, with 2026 designated by his ministry as the "Year of Latin America" for strategic focus.