Israel sends 80-person rescue delegation to earthquake-hit Colombia

An 80-person Israeli aid delegation, dubbed the "Alliance of Friends," departed for Colombia to assist in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake. The team, composed of regular duty soldiers and reservists from the IDF, Ministry of Defense, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, took off from the Nevatim Airbase.

Led by Brig.-General (res.) Yossi Pinto, commander of the Home Front Command's National Rescue and Rescue Unit, the delegation's primary objective is to provide immediate life-saving assistance by mapping destruction sites. Their deployment follows a request for aid from Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella.

This mission underscores Israel's consistent policy of dispatching rescue teams to countries affected by natural disasters, irrespective of diplomatic ties. Notably, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that an aid delegation would be sent after de la Espriella's request.

Despite Colombia's new administration, led by de la Espriella, showing a warmer approach towards Israel, including plans to move its embassy to Jerusalem, Israel's humanitarian efforts are not contingent on political relations. The country previously sent a delegation to Venezuela after twin earthquakes in June 2026, even though official relations had been severed in 2009. That mission, also headed by Pinto, eventually led to the reintroduction of consular relations between the two nations.

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The main goal of the expedition is to provide immediate life-saving assistance through mapping destruction sites.