Colombia’s new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, is restoring diplomatic and economic ties with Israel after his predecessor severed relations over the Gaza war and repeatedly attacked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Colombia officially opened its embassy in Jerusalem on Wednesday, October 14, becoming the 10th country to establish its embassy in the Israeli capital. The move marks a significant policy reversal under President Abelardo de la Espriella, who has also restored a free trade agreement between the two countries.

Most countries continue to maintain their embassies in Tel Aviv.

Former Colombian president Gustavo Petro severed diplomatic relations with Israel in May 2024, citing Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. He had also been a vocal critic of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Petro ordered the closure of Colombia’s embassy in Tel Aviv and recalled the country’s ambassador. Israel condemned the decision, describing it as antisemitic and arguing that it rewarded Hamas terrorists.

De la Espriella, a right-wing politician who took office in August, has since moved to reverse his predecessor’s approach to Israel.

The free trade agreement between the two countries, which Petro had terminated, was reinstated on Tuesday, one day before the embassy’s inauguration.

Sa’ar Praises Renewed Israel-Colombia Relations

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar welcomed the improvement in relations and credited the new Colombian administration with rapidly reversing the previous government’s policies.

“In just two months, we have reversed most of the negative consequences of the Petro administration for Israel-Colombia relations and have even broken new ground… I thank… Abelardo de la Espriella for his determination to bring Israel-Colombia relations to an all-time high.”

Colombia’s Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar attended the embassy’s inauguration ceremony in Jerusalem alongside Sa’ar.

The United States moved its embassy to Jerusalem in 2018, prompting several other countries to follow suit. Guatemala, Honduras, Paraguay, and Somaliland are among those that have also established diplomatic missions in the city.