Colombia recognizes Israel's claim to Golan Heights under new government

Colombia's newly inaugurated right-wing government has officially recognized Israel's claim to the Golan Heights, a strategic plateau Syria lost to Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War. This move aligns Colombia with the United States, which has been the sole nation to recognize Israel's 1981 annexation of the territory.

President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office on Friday, had pledged closer ties with the U.S. and Israel during his campaign, framing it as part of his strategy to combat armed groups within Colombia. The recognition of Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights was formalized in a statement released by Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, the same day the country was struck by a significant earthquake.

The Colombian statement emphasized that "maintaining Israel's control and sovereignty over the Golan Heights is a crucial element of their national defense." This position directly contrasts with the United Nations' stance. UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently reaffirmed that the Golan Heights are part of Syria and that Israel's occupation is "completely unacceptable."

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Colombia recognizes that maintaining Israel's control and sovereignty over the Golan Heights is a crucial element of their national defense.

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed gratitude for the recognition, calling de la Espriella a "good friend." Saar stated that the issue was discussed prior to the new president's inauguration. He further commented on X that "defensible borders are crucial to guarantee the Jewish people's continued existence in our historic homeland."

This policy shift follows de la Espriella's earlier declaration to restore diplomatic relations with Israel and his intention to open an embassy in Jerusalem. Israel considers Jerusalem, including its occupied Palestinian sectors, its capital, though this is not internationally recognized, with most foreign embassies located in Tel Aviv.

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Defensible borders are crucial to guarantee the Jewish people's continued existence in our historic homeland.