Colombia and Slovenia recognized a Palestinian state. Now they’re moving embassies to Jlem

Colombia, the world's second most populous Spanish-speaking nation, and Slovenia, a small Alpine republic, are charting a new course in their relationship with Israel. Both countries, recently led by right-wing governments, have pledged to open embassies in Jerusalem, a move that reverses previous policies of their left-leaning predecessors.

Colombia's President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella has promised to forge unprecedented ties with Israel. His incoming foreign minister, Omar Bola Escobar, met with Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar in Washington D.C. to discuss the establishment of diplomatic relations, including the relocation of the Colombian embassy to Jerusalem.

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like never before

Slovenia, meanwhile, is making a dramatic U-turn after its parliament recognized a Palestinian state in June 2024, mirroring actions by Spain, Ireland, and Norway. Under its former prime minister Robert Golob, Slovenia had banned imports from West Bank settlements and halted weapons trade with Israel, becoming the first EU member to do so. The country's public broadcaster also boycotted the Eurovision Song Contest, airing films about Palestine instead.

However, Janez Jansa, leader of the Slovenian Democratic Party and an admirer of Donald Trump, formed a coalition government following recent parliamentary elections. Jansa immediately announced Slovenia would revoke its recognition of Palestine and move its embassy to Jerusalem, a step that would make it the first EU country to do so. Israel is also set to open an embassy in Ljubljana for the first time. Robert Waltl, president of the Liberal Jewish Community of Slovenia, called the move a "welcome milestone," though he expressed caution about drawing broader conclusions.

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That’s an important and welcome milestone, and something many of us have hoped to see for a long time.