Abelardo de la Espriella, the newly elected president of Colombia, announced on Thursday that his administration will withdraw Colombia’s involvement in the case brought by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice. This move forms part of his plan to reestablish diplomatic ties with Israel as soon as he takes office.
De la Espriella, a conservative, is set to assume office on August 7, taking over from the progressive Gustavo Petro. Petro had severed diplomatic relations with Israel in 2024, protesting what he termed as ‘genocide’ in Gaza, drawing a comparison to the actions of Nazi Germany.
Under Petro’s government, Colombia supported South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza. Israel denied these accusations, suggesting that South Africa was acting as the legal arm of the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
The diplomatic break with Israel caused Colombia to seek alternative security suppliers, as its armed forces used Israeli-made aircraft and rifles in their fight against drug cartels and rebel groups. Supported by U.S. President Donald Trump, De la Espriella prioritizes strengthening cooperation with the United States and renewing ties with Israel in his foreign policy.
“The historic relationship that Petro’s government unilaterally broke will be strengthened once more. Colombia will regain its allies, diplomatic word, and its role as a reliable partner in the world,” De la Espriella stated in a release.
The designated foreign minister, Omar Bula, met with Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, in Washington to agree on a roadmap for the ‘full and immediate restoration of diplomatic and economic relations’ starting August 7.
This plan includes appointing ambassadors, mutually eliminating visa requirements, and opening the Colombian embassy in Jerusalem. Previously, after severing ties with Israel, Colombia had announced plans to open an embassy in Ramallah, a Palestinian territory occupied by Israel, and appointed an ambassador to Palestinian territory.
Gustavo Petro expressed disagreement with De la Espriella’s plans to restore relations with Israel. He warned on platform X, “Whoever supports genocide will be a genocidal in their own country.”
The transition of government has sparked political tension in Colombia. Petro refused to acknowledge De la Espriella’s electoral victory, claiming that his ally, Iván Cepeda, was the rightful winner due to alleged electoral fraud involving ‘private Israeli intelligence companies.’