Colombia

Colombia sees criticism from Arab states after recognizing Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights

Spanish media have already described the move as a "diplomatic crisis with Arab countries," while Colombian media have reported extensively on the wave of condemnations.

|ByELI LEON
Colombia's President Abelardo De La Espriella speaks before visiting sites damaged by Monday's earthquake, in Manizales, Colombia, August 11, 2026.
Rescue workers and residents stand atop a collapsed building in the aftermath of an earthquake in Cali, Colombia, August 10, 2026

Israel sends aid delegation to Colombia in aftermath of earthquake that killed at least 250 people

Emergency teams aided by police, soldiers and volunteers have been working with excavators and, at times, their bare hands, hunting for survivors beneath debris.

|ByESTHER DAVIS
Volunteers and emergency personnel gather at the site of a collapsed building following an earthquake, in Cali, Colombia, August 10, 2026.

Colombia continues search and rescue operations after earthquake, over 250 killed

The 7.4-magnitude earthquake tore through Colombia's coffee-growing heartland early on Monday, killing at least 250 people.

|ByREUTERS
People evacuate after an earthquake in Cali, Colombia on August 10, 2026.

Colombia earthquake ‘reminded me of Israel’s sirens and bombs,’ Israeli in Bogota tells 'Post'

As the earthquake struck, an Israeli family experienced “something beautiful” when Colombians gathered around them and asked the family to bless them.

|ByMATHILDA HELLER

Colombia becomes second country to recognize Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights, joining US

Bogota says it recognizes Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights as an 'essential component of its national defense' • Sa'ar: Decision demonstrates Colombian president's 'commitment to Israel'

AUGUST 10, 2026ByGOLDIE KATZ
A supporter of Israel holds flags during a protest, following Hamas' biggest attack on Israel in years, in Bogota, Colombia October 9, 2023.

At least 224 killed, more trapped under rubble after 7.4 magnitude earthquake shakes Colombia

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar shared his concerns about the earthquake in a statement and offered his Colombian counterpart any assistance Israel could provide in the aftermath of the quake.

AUGUST 10, 2026ByGOLDIE KATZ, REUTERS
People look for survivors amid the rubble of a collapsed building after an earthquake in Cali, Colombia on August 10, 2026.

Colombia, Israel look to expand cooperation as Sa'ar meets Colombian VP, senior officials

“You designated 2026 as a year for expanding its ties with Latin America,” Colombian Vice President José Manuel Restrepo said during the meeting.

AUGUST 7, 2026ByARIELLA ROITMAN
Colombian Vice President José Manuel Restrepo alongside Israeli and Colombian officials ahead of the presidential inauguration ceremony, August 7, 2026.

Sa’ar visits Ecuador, Colombia to strengthen Israel-Latin America ties

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar began a diplomatic visit on Wednesday to Ecuador and Colombia, where he will hold meetings aimed at strengthening Israel's relations across Latin America.

AUGUST 6, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar (L) stands with Ecuador's Foreign Minister Roberto Kury and Interior Minister John Reimberg on August 5, 2025.

Israeli technology could halt Colombia's drug traffickers as relations improve between the nations

Abelardo de la Espriella aims to restore diplomatic ties, pursue an embassy in Jerusalem, and reverse Colombia’s position at the International Court of Justice.

AUGUST 2, 2026ByGABRIEL COLODRO/THE MEDIA LINE
Abelardo de la Espriella in Bogotá, on June 25, 2026.

Vivian Aisen appointed new ambassador to Colombia as Israel strengthens ties with Latin America

The appointment is part of Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar’s efforts to renew and restore relations between Israel and Colombia amid warming ties between Israel and Latin American countries.

JULY 27, 2026ByNACHUM PERRY
Vivian Aisen, newly appointed to be abassador to Colombia, was previously the ambassador to Macedonia. She is seen here speaking at a joint Israeli-Macedonian event.

Nauru decides to open embassy in Jerusalem, becomes 10th country with embassy in Israel's capital

The decision came after Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar reached an understanding with Lionel Aingimea, Nauru's deputy president and foreign affairs, trade and justice minister.

JULY 23, 2026ByIDAN KWELLER
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar with Lionel Aingimea, Nauru's deputy president and foreign affairs minister.

Colombia withdraws from ICC case against Israel, promises new embassy in Jerusalem

The announcement, made by incoming Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriell, said that Colombia aims to restore the "historic ties with Israel," following the government of Gustavo Petro.

JULY 19, 2026ByANNA BARSKY
Israel and Colombia flags at the peaceful protest of the members of the active reserve of the military and police forces against the government of Gustavo Petro, October 2023.

New Colombian and Slovenian governments flip Israel policy, to move their embassies to Jerusalem

Within one month of each other, leftist, pro-Palestine governments in both countries were voted out and replaced by right-wing leaders who vowed to restore full diplomatic relations with Israel.

JULY 18, 2026ByLARRY LUXNER/JTA
Colombia’s incoming foreign minister, Omar Bula Escobar (L), and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar shake hands after agreeing to work to repair Israel and Colombia's relations.

Israel works to restore diplomatic ties with Colombia, new embassy to be established in Jerusalem

The proposed embassy would represent a significant upgrade in relations and mark formal Colombian recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

JULY 16, 2026BySHIR PERETS
Colombia’s incoming foreign minister, Omar Bula Escobar (L), and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar shake hands after agreeing to work to repair Israel and Colombia's relations.