Colombia becomes second country to recognize Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights, joining US
Bogota says it recognizes Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights as an 'essential component of its national defense' • Sa'ar: Decision demonstrates Colombian president's 'commitment to Israel'
Colombia has officially acknowledged Israel's claim to sovereignty over the Golan Heights, marking it as just the second UN member state to do so, following the United States. The decision was announced by Colombia's Foreign Ministry on X/Twitter, with the country citing the move as "an essential component of its national defense and its ability to protect and safeguard its citizens."
The recognition was prompted by a mutual commitment between Israel and Colombia, as stated in the ministry's declaration. This brings Colombia in line with the United States, which recognized Israeli sovereignty in the territory captured from Syria in 1967 and annexed by Israel in 1981, a move made during former President Donald Trump's tenure.
Colombian President Álvaro de la Espriella expressed gratitude for the decision, as did Foreign Minister Omar Bola Escobar. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar emphasized the strategic importance of defensible borders for Israel's existence and its ongoing efforts to encourage other countries to join the US and Colombia in recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, a territory to which Israeli law has been extended for 45 years.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
