Netanyahu orders immediate aid to Colombia after earthquake

Israel is sending immediate aid to Colombia after a powerful earthquake struck the South American nation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the dispatch of an aid mission, with his office stating that Israel shares the grief of the victims' families and will provide comprehensive assistance.

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The State of Israel shares the pain of the families of the victims and will provide comprehensive assistance to the State of Colombia.

The decision comes amid a significant diplomatic shift between Bogotá and Jerusalem. Following the recent rise to power of ultranationalist Abelardo de la Espriella, relations have seen unprecedented closeness. Just last week, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar visited Colombia for the inauguration of De la Espriella and held bilateral meetings.

Earlier this week, Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially recognized Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights, a territory occupied from Syria in 1967. This recognition, previously only acknowledged by the United States, was justified by Colombia's foreign ministry as necessary for Israel's security amid regional instability.

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Another good news from South America: the resumption of consular relations between Israel and Venezuela.

Israel has previously sent rescue missions to Venezuela, and recently resumed consular relations with Venezuela after a 17-year hiatus initiated by Hugo Chávez. Foreign Minister Saar expressed enthusiasm for strengthening ties with Latin American countries.

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I will continue to strengthen the ties between Israel and the countries of the world in general, and between Israel and the countries of Latin America in particular!