Bogota: Within days of assuming office, Colombia's new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, has swiftly moved to restore and strengthen diplomatic ties with Israel, reversing the previous administration's stance on Israel's actions in Gaza. De la Espriella, who narrowly defeated left-wing candidate Ivan Cepeda in the June runoff, took office on August 7, succeeding Gustavo Petro, who was barred from seeking re-election.
According to Anadolu Agency, De la Espriella quickly fulfilled a campaign promise by announcing the reopening of Colombia's embassy in Jerusalem, a move that aligns with Israel's claim of the city as its capital. This decision comes despite the ongoing international debate over Jerusalem's status. The new administration also halted plans to establish a Colombian Embassy in Palestine, a project initiated by Petro that never became operational.
In a significant move, Colombia under De la Espriella recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights in Syria, becoming the second nation after the United States to do so. This announcement coincided with a devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake in Colombia, diverting national attention towards disaster relief efforts. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed gratitude for Colombia's support in a public statement.
Further solidifying bilateral relations, Colombia appointed Tania Gilinski as its ambassador to Israel, while Israel assigned Vivian Aisen as its envoy to Colombia. The two countries also agreed on a mutual visa exemption for citizens starting September 1 and established the Colombia-Israel Binational Economic Commission, signaling a renewed economic partnership.
This diplomatic pivot includes a resumption of coal exports to Israel and a withdrawal from Colombia's previous intervention in a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice concerning the Gaza conflict. Analysts suggest that these moves reflect a broader strategy aimed at aligning more closely with the United States, a key ally of Israel.
Glaeldys Gonzalez from the International Crisis Group notes that Colombia's shift should not be seen as a complete reversal but rather a return to its historical alignment with Israel, given their longstanding defense and economic ties. Mariano Aguirre Ernst, a researcher at the Barcelona Centre on International Affairs, argues that this shift aligns Colombia with far-right international trends, drawing parallels with other Latin American countries.
For Israel, experts like Daniel Wajner from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem highlight the strategic importance of Colombia's recognition, as it enhances Israel's international legitimacy and strengthens its geopolitical position. This renewed alliance is also seen as a response to growing criticism and sanctions Israel faces globally due to its policies in Gaza.
The recent earthquake in Colombia has muted public discourse on the diplomatic shift, but Arlene Beth Tickner, a former Colombian UN representative, warns of potential long-term repercussions for Colombia's international standing and engagements.
As Colombia navigates this complex geopolitical landscape, the restoration of ties with Israel signals a broader realignment of its foreign policy, influenced by domestic and international political dynamics. Whether this alignment will withstand future political changes remains to be seen.