BOGOTA, Colombia (VINnews) — Colombia has recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, citing Israel’s security needs and the strategic importance of the territory amid continued instability in the Middle East.
In a statement issued Saturday, Colombia’s Foreign Ministry said Israel faces persistent security threats along its borders and has a right to defend itself against external threats.
The statement specifically cited the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack and said the violence underscored the “gravity and changing nature” of the threats facing Israel.
#Atención | Colombia reconoce la soberanía de Israel sobre los Altos del Golán. pic.twitter.com/D7dDZ6lxzy
— Cancillería Colombia (@CancilleriaCol) August 10, 2026
Colombia said maintaining Israeli control and sovereignty over the Golan Heights is an important part of Israel’s national defense and its ability to protect its citizens.
The government said the decision also reflects Colombia’s commitment to promoting a stable and lasting peace in the Middle East.
The Golan Heights, captured by Israel from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War, was effectively annexed by Israel in 1981. Most of the international community does not recognize Israeli sovereignty over the territory.
The Colombian statement was issued as part of an agreement between the two countries, according to the Foreign Ministry.
I thank Colombia and my good friend, Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella @ABDELAESPRIELLA, for his historic decision to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, following our meeting in Barranquilla, Colombia, last Thursday.
With this, one of his first… https://t.co/wisVitfs8J
— Gideon Sa'ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) August 10, 2026