Colombia’s new government has formally recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, declaring that Israel’s continued control of the strategic territory is essential to its national security amid persistent instability across the Middle East.

“Given the persistent regional instability in the Middle East and considering the strategic importance of the Golan Heights to Israel’s security, the Government of Colombia recognizes Israeli sovereignty over this territory, as well as Israel’s right to protect itself against external threats,” Colombia’s Foreign Ministry said.

Bogota further stated that “maintaining Israel’s control and sovereignty over the Golan Heights is an essential component of its national defense and its ability to protect and safeguard its citizens.”

The announcement marks a significant shift in Colombia’s policy and comes shortly after the country’s new government also decided to move its embassy to Jerusalem.

The United States recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights in 2019, when President Donald Trump signed a proclamation reversing decades of previous U.S. policy. Israel captured the strategic plateau from Syria during the 1967 Six Day War and extended Israeli law to the territory in 1981.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar met Colombia’s incoming president, Abelardo de la Espriella, in Barranquilla on August 6, one day before his inauguration.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)