Petro 'Ashamed' of Colombia Restoring Ties with Israel

Outgoing Colombian President Gustavo Petro voiced deep disapproval and shame regarding the incoming administration's plan to re-establish diplomatic relations with Israel. Petro, who broke ties with Israel in May 2024 over its military offensive in Gaza, reiterated his strong condemnation of the conflict.

Speaking at the installation of the new legislative period, Petro declared that he is "ashamed" of a government and congress that would accept diplomatic ties with a nation he accuses of committing "genocide" and causing the deaths of "22,000 babies." He further stated that anyone who "laughs at a genocide is a fascist" and labeled Israel's actions in Gaza a "crime against humanity."

These remarks come just days after President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella announced his intention to restore what he called a "historic alliance" with Israel upon taking office on August 7. De la Espriella plans to resume the exchange of ambassadors and relocate Colombia's embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, directly reversing Petro's foreign policy.

Furthermore, De la Espriella has indicated that Colombia will withdraw from the genocide case South Africa brought against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), a case Petro's government joined. Petro's strong stance reflects a significant divergence in foreign policy between the outgoing and incoming Colombian administrations regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.