The President-elect of Colombia, Abelardo de la Espriella, announced plans to withdraw Colombia’s support for the case filed by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice. This decision is part of a broader strategy to restore diplomatic relations with Israel as he assumes office. De la Espriella, a conservative, will succeed the progressive Gustavo Petro on August 7. Petro had severed diplomatic ties with Israel in 2024, protesting what he termed a ‘genocide’ in the Gaza Strip, likening it to the actions of Nazi Germany.
Under Petro’s administration, Colombia backed South Africa’s case against Israel at the top UN court. South Africa accused Israel of committing ‘genocide’ against Palestinians in Gaza. Israel firmly denied these claims, accusing South Africa of acting legally on behalf of Hamas, the Palestinian militant group. The break in diplomatic relations led Colombia to seek new security partners, as its armed forces rely on Israeli-made fighter jets and rifles to combat drug cartels and rebel groups.
Supported by U.S. President Donald Trump, De la Espriella prioritized strengthening cooperation with the U.S. and renewing ties with Israel in his foreign policy. ‘The historic relationship severed by Petro will be strengthened. Colombia will reclaim its allies, diplomatic credibility, and status as a trusted global partner,’ De la Espriella stated in a release.
The designated Foreign Minister, Omar Bula, met with Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, in Washington to agree on a roadmap for ‘full and immediate restoration of diplomatic and economic relations’ starting August 7, as stated in the release. The plan involves appointing ambassadors, a reciprocal removal of visa requirements, and opening Colombia’s embassy in Jerusalem. After cutting ties with Israel, Colombia had announced an embassy opening in Ramallah, West Bank, a territory occupied by Israel, and Petro appointed an ambassador to Palestinian territories.
Petro expressed disagreement with De la Espriella’s plans to resume relations with Israel, stating, ‘Anyone supporting a genocide will be a genocidal in their own country.’ The transition of power caused political tension in Colombia, especially after Petro claimed the electoral victory of De la Espriella’s was a fraud, asserting Iván Cepeda, his political ally, as the actual winner. Petro accused private Israeli intelligence firms of involvement in the alleged fraud.