Colombia has officially recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, the South American nation announced following a weekend visit by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar to the country. Sa'ar traveled to Colombia for the inauguration of the country's new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, described as a friend of Israel, and met with him Thursday in Barranquilla.
In its formal statement, the Colombian government cited ongoing regional instability in the Middle East and the strategic importance of the Golan Heights to Israeli security as the basis for its decision. "Given the continuing regional instability in the Middle East, and considering the strategic importance of the Golan Heights to Israel's security, the government of Colombia recognizes Israel's sovereignty over this territory, as well as the state's right to defend itself against external threats," the statement read.
The Colombian government elaborated that "for decades, Israel has faced persistent and existential security challenges along all its borders. These threats have intensified significantly in recent years, culminating in the horrific terrorist attack of October 7, which illustrated the severity and evolving nature of the dangers facing the Israeli people. In this regional security context, Colombia recognizes that maintaining Israel's control and sovereignty over the Golan Heights constitutes a vital component of its national security and its ability to defend its citizens and ensure their safety."
The Golan Heights, a strategic plateau overlooking northern Israel, was captured from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War. Israel annexed the territory in 1981, though most of the international community did not recognize the move until the United States did so in 2019 under President Donald Trump.
Colombia's recognition represents a significant diplomatic achievement for Israel, particularly as it comes from a major Latin American nation that had previously maintained more neutral positions on Middle Eastern conflicts.
The announcement was made against the backdrop of a devastating earthquake that struck Colombia, prompting Foreign Minister Sa'ar to contact his Colombian counterpart, Omar Bahía Escobar, to express solidarity and offer Israeli assistance.
Colombia's recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan is part of a comprehensive package of diplomatic measures agreed upon during Sa'ar's visit. The agreements include full and immediate restoration of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the immediate appointment of ambassadors, relocation of Colombia's embassy to Jerusalem, elimination of visa requirements between the nations, and resumption of a free trade agreement.
Additionally, Colombia agreed to withdraw from South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and from the so-called "Hague Group," and committed to strengthening political, security, and economic ties between the two countries.
The rapprochement with Colombia forms part of a broader initiative led by Foreign Minister Sa'ar to deepen Israel's relationships with Latin American nations. Sa'ar has designated 2026 as the "Year of Latin America" for his ministry, focusing strategic efforts on strengthening Israel's ties throughout the region.
