Colombia

Rescue teams race clock in Colombia as earthquake death toll nears 300

Around 290 people have died, with 140 more missing and nearly 4,000 more injured, according to official estimates. More than two-thirds of the deaths were concentrated in Cali and Pereira.

Rescuers work as search and rescue operations are under way at the site of the destroyed Cantabria building, following the earthquake in Cali, Colombia, August 15, 2026.
IDF Home Front Command forces operating at impact sites in Cali, Colombia, August 14, 2026.

Israeli aid delegation begins work in Colombia following deadly earthquake

An Israeli rescue delegation arrives in Cali, Colombia, to assist in search and rescue efforts following a 7.4-magnitude earthquake, August 14, 2026.

Israeli aid delegation arrives in Colombia to assist with post-quake rescue operations

A man cries as he embraces a rescue worker in the aftermath of an earthquake, in Cali, Colombia, August 13, 2026.

Race to reach trapped survivor offers hope in Colombia quake zone


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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

US sentences alleged cousin of Bashar Assad to prison for role in narco-terrorism conspiracy

Kassis, 59, is a Lebanon-based drug trafficker who used his connections in Syria to traffic both cocaine and weapons. He laundered his earnings through associates in Colombia.

A line of cocaine is seen being snorted through a rolled up dollar.

Lawmakers from 12 Latin American countries back Isaac Accords, Jerusalem embassy move

According to organizers, participating countries included Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, Honduras, Chile, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia, and Panama.

(L-R) Chairman of Selection Committee, The Genesis Prize Foundation, David Hatchwell, Argentinian President Javier Milei, and Josh Reinstein, President of the Israel Allies Foundation.

Rig explosion in Venezuela leaves at least 17 workers wounded, evacuated to Colombia

The wounded were taken to neighboring Colombia for medical treatment as the cause of the blast remains unclear.

Workers of Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA at a rig near Cabimas, Venezuela, January 27, 2026.; illustrative.