Colombia withdraws from ICC case against Israel, promises new embassy in Jerusalem

Colombia's incoming administration has announced its intention to withdraw the country from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) case filed by South Africa against Israel. This significant policy shift marks a complete reversal of the previous government's stance and signals a robust renewal of relations between Colombia and Israel.

The decision was confirmed following a meeting between Colombia's incoming Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar in Washington. The office of Colombia's president-elect, Abelardo de la Espriella, stated that Colombia will "return to a responsible position on the international stage" and withdraw its involvement in the ICJ proceedings. The statement also criticized outgoing President Gustavo Petro's decision to "unilaterally sever the historic relations between Colombia and Israel."

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Colombia will also return to a responsible position on the international stage, including in UN bodies, and will withdraw its involvement in the case filed by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

Discussions between Sa'ar and Bula Escobar focused on restoring diplomatic and economic ties immediately after de la Espriella's inauguration on August 7. Both nations agreed to the reciprocal appointment of ambassadors. Furthermore, Bula Escobar indicated his government's intent to establish a Colombian embassy in Jerusalem, Israel's capital, with Sa'ar pledging full support for this move. The ministers also agreed to eliminate visa requirements for travel between the two countries.

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unilaterally sever the historic relations between Colombia and Israel.